What's Left of Philosophy 123 | Adam Smith and the Lessons of Sympathy
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Nov 3, 2025 Explore Adam Smith's lesser-known work that dives into the concept of sympathy and its role in moral judgments. Discover how our feelings shape societal stability and why shared sentiments are crucial for friendship. The discussion highlights Smith's idea of the impartial spectator, contrasting emotional responses with socially accepted norms. From humor to justice, the hosts analyze how emotional maturity and propriety govern our reactions. They also question the impact of utility on happiness and the human costs of labor, using entertaining examples and anecdotes!
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Sympathy Grounds Moral Judgment
- Adam Smith argues sympathy, not pure self-interest, grounds moral judgment and social life.
- He treats emotions as primary sources for morality, with reason forming general rules from feelings.
Sympathy As Imaginative Projection
- Smith defines sympathy as imaginative projection into another's situation rather than emotional contagion.
- We judge propriety by asking how we ourselves would feel in like circumstances.
Twofold Desire For Approval
- Smith distinguishes two motivational levels: wanting praise and wanting to deserve that praise.
- The second level shows we care about self-knowledge, not merely appearing good.
