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Wealth and sensibility. The historical outcome of better living conditions for all according to Adam Smith

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  • Michele Bee

Abstract

In this paper, I argue that Smith's commercial society is characterised more by restraint of self-command than by restraint of emotions through self-command, as usually stated. According to Smith, the appropriate degree of self-command varies with historical circumstances: better living conditions for all favour relaxation of self-command and lead people to express their sentiments more freely. I thus highlight a crucial link in Smith's thought between variations in general economic conditions and variations in moral judgement on the expression of emotions, or, in other words, between The Theory of Moral Sentiments and the Wealth of Nations.

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  • Michele Bee, 2018. "Wealth and sensibility. The historical outcome of better living conditions for all according to Adam Smith," The European Journal of the History of Economic Thought, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 25(3), pages 473-492, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:eujhet:v:25:y:2018:i:3:p:473-492
    DOI: 10.1080/09672567.2018.1449876
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    Cited by:

    1. Michele Bee & Ivan Sternick, 2022. "No need for society: Adam Smith’s critique of pufendorf’s summa imbecillitas," Textos para Discussão Cedeplar-UFMG 644, Cedeplar, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais.

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