4. Living virtuously

Abstract

Does someone deserve to be praised or punished? Can one individual merit owning more resources than another? Can blame be rightly attached to unintended actions? These are examples of moral questions that arise in everyday life. The Moral Sentiments is an ‘analysis of the principles’ that govern or underlie judgments of human conduct and character. ‘Living virtuously’ considers Adam Smith’s views on justice, benevolence, prudence, and other virtues. It is a central plank in Smith’s overall philosophy that individuals in a commercial society are able to act justly, prudently, and benevolently. There is no divergence between the ‘moral’ and ‘economic’ aspects of his thought.