# Section II: Of Justice and Beneficence explained — The Theory of Moral Sentiments

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

## What happens

This section examines the distinction between justice and beneficence, arguing that justice is the only virtue that can be enforced by external sanctions, while beneficence is left to the free will of individuals. It explores the role of the impartial spectator in determining the propriety of actions and the necessity of justice for the stability of society.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_theory_of_moral_sentiments_se/chapters/section-ii-of-justice-and-beneficence
- 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