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Adam Smith on Sympathy in 'The Theory of Moral Sentiments'
In his 1759 book, The Theory of Moral Sentiments, Adam Smith argued against the idea that humans are purely selfish. He posited that there are inherent 'principles in his nature' which give people a genuine interest in the 'fortunes of others.' According to Smith, observing the happiness of others is itself a source of pleasure, independent of any personal gain. This concept of sympathy provides a crucial counterpoint to the narrow interpretation of self-interest sometimes associated with his later work.
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Learn After
A successful business owner decides to use a portion of her profits to significantly improve the working conditions and recreational facilities for her employees, even though financial models predict this investment will not increase productivity or future profits. Based on Adam Smith's comprehensive philosophy of human nature, which of the following statements provides the best analysis of the owner's motivation?
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In The Theory of Moral Sentiments, Adam Smith posits that humans are not purely selfish, arguing instead that an inherent principle in our nature gives us an interest in the fortunes of others. According to his writing, this principle, which makes the happiness of others necessary for our own, even when we gain nothing from it, is called ________.
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