Adam Smith Thought Research Virtue

Today,we still live in the time elaborated by Smith.We have full praised the Wealth of Nations but put the theory of Moral Sentiments on the shelf. Even some people think that Smithean moral theory isn’t worth mentioning or attribute it as utilitarianism theory.Actually,Smith did not construct both Hume’s utilitarianism theory and kantian deontology. We would find that Smithean moral theory belongs to virtue enthics if we research it. So,it is helpful for us to research that Smithean virtue theory of human basis,traits,limitation and contemporary value.On one hand, we can comprehend rightly Smithean thoughts system. On the other hand,it has important values for today’s moral education and social construction.We benefit from smithean economics theory,but overlook his argue on the basis of morality. The theory of Moral Sentiments had five revisions.The last revision had important variation and two new additional contents.One is part Ⅰ chapter Ⅲ section Ⅲ of the corruption of our moral sentiments,which is occasioned by this disposition to admire the rich and the great.The other is part VI of the character of virtue. As for Smith,two contents are echo each other at a distance. We should pursuit the wealth,and at the same time we should not forget to cultive virtues.His reminds and explorations are still worth learing after two houndreds years.This dissertation is dependent on two aspects.On one hand, Smithean virtues ideas possess human foundation that include sympathy and self-love.On the other hand,Smith puted forward means to ameliorate moral degeneration in commercial society.So, Research clues of this dissertation are also these aspects.This dissertation is divided into six chapter:Chapterl analysised of Adam Smithean problem and two invisible hands.Old Adam Smithean problem seems settled.However,new Adam Smithean problem again appeared. Why can bring so persistent debate? Because we can not make it clear that Smithean actual ideas. Wherein the Wealth of Nations and the theory of Moral Sentiments,Smith also all think social passion (sympathy or cooperation)and selfish passion (self-intereted or self-love) are last but not least; Invisible hand is one of the most important ideas.Subsequent people excessly explain it.Actually,Smith only emphasize invisible hand as unbodied power can steer world.This is the previous are all simplify contort and misread of Smithean ideas beause they have not link the theory of Moral Sentiments with the Wealth of Nations.So, we should contact them if we want to comprehend genuine Smith.Chapter Ⅱ mainly discuss relations between interests and morals.The conflict between interests and morals more serious for trading capital seek interests.Smith was aware of the problem and try to solve it. Harmony between interests and morals possess human nature basic.We can not only see self-regard or interests,but take over altruism or moral.Beause people naturally are self-regard as well as altruism,we should not only self-regard but also consider other people.At the same time,we should not only seek interests but also marals;Harmony between interests and morals possess realizability. Smith warns that we should seek not only wealth but cultivate virtues.So we can discover equilibrium between them.Chapter Ⅲ researched Smithean sympathy principle.In the first section,analysised Smithean sympathy concept and origin. Smithean sympathy concept have three-layer meaning. Smithean sympathy theory comes from Hume and Hutcheson.However, his theory different from them and resemble Rosseau. Section Ⅱ discussed the relatives on sympathy,fair spectator and rational.Fair spectator ideas of Smith is foundation of upholding Smithean sympathy principle.It is also full prove of combine Sympathy with rational;Section Ⅲ analysised of moral judge.As far as Smithean concerned,sensibility is fountain of moral judge.Sympathy is main fountain of moral judge.However, fountain of moral judge are not only sympathy.Chapter Ⅳ researched Smithean self-love principle.Section Ⅰ mainly analysised Smith on self-love of two layer and three stage. Self-love of two layer is material and immaterial plane. Self-love of three stage is belong to immaterial plane.And it can include love of praise,love of true glory and love of virtue.Then they separately produce prudence magnanimity and beneficence; Section Ⅱ analysised relatives on self-love,self-interested,and selfish. Self-interested in the Wealth of Nations is Self-love of material plane. Self-love in the theory of Moral Sentiments include Self-love of material and immaterial plane. Sometime,self-interested of material plane same as self-love of material plane.However,both self-love and self-interested are all not passion of selfish; Section Ⅲ with regard to sympathy, self-love and love others, sympathy and self-love is foundation of love others, self-love convert love others by sympathy. Section Ⅳ contrast for kantian and smithean self-love standpoint. And further educe self-love can become foundation of virtue. Chapter Ⅴ analysised Smithean virtues theory. Smith animadeverted four virtues doctrines and conceived his virtues theory.As for him,virtues are those characters which impart spectator esteem and admire according to social universal moral rule.For Smith,moral degeneration in commercial society can improve by cultivating virtues. Prudence can solve anxiety and restessness of commercial society. Beneficence can solve alienation,indifference and restrain upon sympathy by commercial individualism;Justice is basic virtue in any society include commercial society; Self-command is necessary virtues for full virtue. So,smithean virtue theory include prudence, justice, beneficence and self-command.Chapter Ⅵ overall evaluated smithean virtues ideas.It include affiliation,traits,limitation and contemporary value. Smithean moral theory belongs to virtue enthics;Traits include four aspects. Smith made a point of particularity and look down on normalization in Methology.He tryed to decrease our reception of individual value in contents.It possess profound human foundation.Smith saw human sociality and discussed morality in social context; Smithean virtues ideas have his limitation.It is experimental.There is a lack of system ensure.It exsists argue in a circle,relativism and halfway;Smithean virtues ideas have four sides about contemporary values.It vails to ameliorate moral degeneration in commercial society,build self-command moral theory system,perfect individual virtues and advance socialism harmonious society.