Changing Society and Institutions in the Theories of Adam Smith and Sophie de Grouchy

Bibliographic Data

ID12741663
AuthorsAnna Markwart (0000-0002-2449-1292, Nicolaus Copernicus University, corresponding author)
Year2022
Volume20
Issue1
Pages55-72
Publication date2022-03-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of Scottish Philosophy (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1479-6651 • E-ISSN: 1755-2001
PublisherEdinburgh University Press (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.3366/jsp.2022.0320
OpenAlexW4220832938
LanguageEN
Citations received2
References cited8

The aim of this paper is to present a comparative analysis and reconstruction of the approach to social, moral, and institutional change in the theories of Adam Smith and Sophie de Grouchy. In their theories moral philosophy is inextricably linked with social thought. I also discuss the role of education and institutions in such a process. I argue that Smith's and de Grouchy's understanding of the roles of sympathy and institutions are strictly connected to the way they perceive the process of social change. Both philosophers considered people as equals and equally capable of sympathizing with others. For both of them, sympathy is a key element in reconstructing how societies change. In my opinion, both these philosophers believe that such a change can be induced: in the case of de Grouchy, this would be done primarily by legislators. In the case of Smith, respected people are capable of initiating change and are subsequently followed by others

Adam smith · Element (criminal law · Environmental ethics · Epistemology · Political science · Social change · Sociology · Sympathy · American Constitutional Law and Politics · Law · Philosophy · Political Philosophy and Ethics · Psychology · Religion, Gender, and Enlightenment · Social Psychology