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Ethical Utilitarianism and The Theory of Moral Sentiments: Adam Smith in Relation to Hume and Bentham

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  • Samuel Hollander

    (University of Toronto)

Abstract

Does The Theory of Moral Sentiments reveal Adam Smith to be an “ethical utilitarian”? I approach the question by elucidating David Hume’s qualifications to his own utility doctrine and the qualifications by Smith to his critique of that doctrine. I demonstrate Smith’s acceptance of “happiness” as maximand, reject a narrow interpretation of the happiness entity frequently attributed to Jeremy Bentham, and confirm the role Bentham, no less than Smith and Hume, accords motivation in ethical evaluation. I conclude that the agreement amongst the three is such that to deny Smith the designation “ethical utilitarian” implies similar treatment of Hume and Bentham.

Suggested Citation

  • Samuel Hollander, 2016. "Ethical Utilitarianism and The Theory of Moral Sentiments: Adam Smith in Relation to Hume and Bentham," Eastern Economic Journal, Palgrave Macmillan;Eastern Economic Association, vol. 42(4), pages 557-580, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:pal:easeco:v:42:y:2016:i:4:d:10.1057_s41302-016-0003-z
    DOI: 10.1057/s41302-016-0003-z
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Amos Witztum & Jeffrey T. Young, 2013. "Utilitarianism and the role of utility in Adam Smith," The European Journal of the History of Economic Thought, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 20(4), pages 572-602, August.
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    Cited by:

    1. Paganelli, Maria Pia & Simon, Fabrizio & Assistant, JHET, 2020. "Crime and Punishment: Adam Smith’s Theory of Sentimental Law and Economics," OSF Preprints x82yh, Center for Open Science.

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