Adam Smith's Marketplace of Life

by James R. Otteson

Overview

Adam Smith wrote two books, one about economics and the other about morality. How do these books go together? How do markets and morality mix? James Otteson provides a comprehensive examination and interpretation of Smith's moral theory and demonstrates how his conception of morality applies to his understanding of markets, language and other social institutions. Considering Smith's notions of natural sympathy, the impartial spectator, human nature and human conscience, the author addresses whether Smith thinks that moral judgments enjoy a transcendent sanction.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521816250
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	10/10/2002
Pages:	354
Product dimensions:	6.22(w) x 9.33(h) x 1.02(d)
Lexile:	1540L (what's this?)

Table of Contents

Introduction; 1. Adam Smith's moral theory, part one: sympathy and the impartial spectator procedure; 2. Smith's moral theory, part two: conscience and human nature; 3. The marketplace of morality; 4. The 'Adam Smith problem'; 5. The market model and the familiarity principle: solving the 'Adam Smith problem'; 6. Justifying smithian moral standards; 7. The unintended order of human social life: Language, marketplaces, and morality; Conclusion.

Editorial Reviews

"This book is important for economists because it provides a readable philosophical perspective on Smith's work in moral theory. Highly recommended." Choice

"Otteson's book is an important contribution to our evolving understanding of Adam Smith." Philosophy in Review

From the Publisher