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Sympathy, desire of bettering our condition and propensity to barter

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  • Jean DELLEMOTTE

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to demonstrate that the two anthropological forces of accumulation brought to the fore by Adam Smith in the Wealth of Nation (the "desire of bettering our condition" and the "propensity to barter, truck and exchange") should not be considered as innate propensities of human nature but, on the contrary, as products of social interaction, more precisely of the action of sympathy. This article therefore presents itself as a contribution to the works that have been attempting, for about 25 years, to restore the consistency of the author's thought, by stressing the great complementarity of the different parts of his works.

Suggested Citation

  • Jean DELLEMOTTE, 2005. "Sympathy, desire of bettering our condition and propensity to barter," Cahiers d’économie politique / Papers in Political Economy, L'Harmattan, issue 48, pages 51-78.
  • Handle: RePEc:cpo:journl:y:2005:i:48:p:51-78
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    JEL classification:

    • B12 - Schools of Economic Thought and Methodology - - History of Economic Thought through 1925 - - - Classical (includes Adam Smith)

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