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A discipline without sympathy: the happiness of the majority and its demise

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  • Sandra Peart
  • David Levy

Abstract

Experimental economists frequently invoke Adam Smith's notion of sympathy, and experimental treatments typically examine sympathy in situations where two groups are involved. We explore additional implications of sympathy suggested by the work of later classical economists. We link the notion of sympathy to their majoritarian welfare analysis. Since sympathy provides a source of moral obligation, classical economists held that agents in democratic politics will refrain from unjust acts. We also consider how sympathetic agents may effect reforms that involve more than two parties, in which the benefits from the action accrue to someone who is not part of the `exchange.'

Suggested Citation

  • Sandra Peart & David Levy, 2005. "A discipline without sympathy: the happiness of the majority and its demise," Canadian Journal of Economics, Canadian Economics Association, vol. 38(3), pages 937-954, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:cje:issued:v:38:y:2005:i:3:p:937-954
    DOI: 10.1111/j.0008-4085.2005.00310.x
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • B12 - Schools of Economic Thought and Methodology - - History of Economic Thought through 1925 - - - Classical (includes Adam Smith)
    • D63 - Microeconomics - - Welfare Economics - - - Equity, Justice, Inequality, and Other Normative Criteria and Measurement

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