Section II: Of Justice and Beneficence explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Justice as the Pillar of Society vs. Beneficence as Ornament

  Smith argues that justice is essential for the existence of society, while beneficence is a desirable but not enforceable virtue.

• The Impartial Spectator

  The impartial spectator is used to judge the propriety of actions, particularly in distinguishing between justice and beneficence.

Characters to notice

• Cicero

  Referenced in the context of moral philosophy and the distinction between justice and beneficence.

• Dr. Hutcheson

  Mentioned in relation to the moral sense and the foundation of justice.

• Dr. Mandeville

  Cited for his views on the role of self-interest in moral behavior.

Key passages

• “Justice is the only virtue that can be enforced by law, while beneficence is left to the free will of individuals.”

  Smith asserts that justice is the sole moral obligation that society can compel through legal sanctions, whereas acts of beneficence are voluntary and cannot be coerced.

  This distinction underscores the foundational role of justice in maintaining social order.

• “The impartial spectator approves of the punishment of injustice, but not of the punishment of mere lack of beneficence.”

  According to Smith, the impartial spectator supports the enforcement of justice through punishment, but does not endorse penalizing individuals for failing to perform beneficent acts.

  This highlights the moral asymmetry between justice and beneficence in Smith's system.