Moral sentiments and self-interest in Adam Smith: two comments

Ghosal, S. (2023) Moral sentiments and self-interest in Adam Smith: two comments. National Institute Economic Review, (doi: 10.1017/nie.2023.27) (Early Online Publication)

Abstract

This study is a reconsideration of a theme, connecting The Theory of Moral Sentiments and The Wealth of Nations, namely the interplay between moral sentiments and self-interest. Two aspects of the theme are examined. The first consists of an interpretation of the so-called ‘das Adam Smith Problem’, an issue originally pointed out by nineteenth-century German scholars. The second, building on the insight of Smith on the association of shame and poverty, reports on recent research that seeks to examine how emotions impact the perception of economic interests and behaviour in marginalized groups.

• Item Type: Articles
• Keywords: Adam Smith, moral, sentiments, self-interest, emotions, sympathy, trust, shame, stigma, self-image, dreambuilding.
• Status: Early Online Publication
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Ghosal, Professor Sayantan
• Authors: Ghosal, S.
• College/School: College of Social Sciences > Adam Smith Business School > Economics
• Journal Name: National Institute Economic Review
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• ISSN: 0027-9501
• ISSN (Online): 1741-3036
• Published Online: 03 November 2023
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2023 The Authors
• First Published: First published in National Institute Economic Review 2023
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the publisher copyright policy