Science and its applications in The Theory of Moral Sentiments
Edited book (chapter)
Thorpe, David. 2007. "Science and its applications in The Theory of Moral Sentiments." Cockfield, Geoff, Firth, Ann and Laurent, John (ed.) New perspectives on Adam Smith's The Theory of moral sentiments. Cheltenham, United Kingdom. Edward Elgar Publishing. pp. 124-140
| Chapter Title | Science and its applications in The Theory of Moral Sentiments |
|---|---|
| Book Chapter Category | Edited book (chapter) |
| ERA Publisher ID | 1811 |
| Book Title | New perspectives on Adam Smith's The Theory of moral sentiments |
| Authors | |
| Author | Thorpe, David |
| Editors | Cockfield, Geoff, Firth, Ann and Laurent, John |
| Page Range | 124-140 |
| Number of Pages | 17 |
| Year | 2007 |
| Publisher | Edward Elgar Publishing |
| Place of Publication | Cheltenham, United Kingdom |
| ISBN | 9781845424800 |
| Web Address (URL) | http://www.e-elgar.co.uk/home.lasso |
| Abstract | While Adam Smith's 'The Theory of Moral Sentiments' was primarily a work on moral philosophy, there are a number of references in it to scientific and engineering principles. As well as having an education in the classics, Smith also had a good knowledge of the principles of science and mathematics, including Newtonian physics. He also appears to have known some of the prominent scientists and engineers of his day. In this book, he uses systems and mechanical principles to explain matters like society, government, commerce and the way in which we think. This approach has allowed him to explain a number of basic concepts in less abstract and less philosophical language that was common in contemporary works in moral philosophy, and also lends to his argument a practical base. It is contended that the ethical principles of the type expounded in Smith's work have influenced the subsequent development of ethics in the engineering profession. |
| Keywords | Adam Smith; science; engineering; systems; moral; philosophy; ethics |
| ANZSRC Field of Research 2020 | 500201. History and philosophy of engineering and technology |
| 500204. History and philosophy of science | |
| 500311. Philosophical psychology (incl. moral psychology and philosophy of action) | |
| Public Notes | Files associated with this item cannot be displayed due to copyright restrictions. |
| Byline Affiliations | Faculty of Engineering and Surveying |
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