# Section I: Of the Sense of Propriety explained — The Theory of Moral Sentiments

> Chapter companion for The Theory of Moral Sentiments by Adam Smith.

## What happens

This section explores the foundation of moral judgment in sympathy, explaining how we approve or disapprove of others' passions based on our ability to sympathize with them. It introduces the concept of the impartial spectator and distinguishes between the amiable and respectable virtues.

## Themes in this chapter

### Sympathy as the Foundation of Moral Judgment

The chapter introduces sympathy as the mechanism through which we approve or disapprove of others' passions.

### The Impartial Spectator

The concept of an impartial spectator is introduced as the standard for propriety in moral judgments.

## Character check-ins

### Epicurus

Mentioned in the context of systems that derive moral approval from self-love.

### Mr. Hobbes

Referenced for his system that reduces moral sentiments to self-love.

### Dr. Hutcheson

Cited for his view that moral approval arises from a distinct moral sense.

## Key lines

> How selfish soever man may be supposed, there are evidently some principles in his nature, which interest him in the fortune of others, and render their happiness necessary to him, though he derives nothing from it except the pleasure of seeing it.

Even if humans are inherently selfish, they still naturally care about others' well-being and find pleasure in their happiness.

_Opening statement establishing the universal human capacity for sympathy._

> When we see a stroke aimed and just ready to fall upon the leg or arm of another person, we naturally shrink and draw back our own leg or our own arm.

Observing a blow about to strike someone else causes us to instinctively recoil as if we were the target.

_Example of physical sympathy illustrating how we share others' sensations._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_theory_of_moral_sentiments_se/chapters/section-i-of-the-sense-of-propriety
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_theory_of_moral_sentiments_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_theory_of_moral_sentiments_se/chapters