The Theory of Moral Sentiments · Chapter
Section II: Of the Degrees of the Different Passions Which Are Consistent with Propriety explained
This section examines how the propriety of passions depends on their degree, with a certain mediocrity being the standard that spectators can sympathize with.
What happens
This section examines how the propriety of passions depends on their degree, with a certain mediocrity being the standard that spectators can sympathize with. Passions that are too high or too low are deemed improper, and the acceptable pitch varies among different passions based on how much sympathy they naturally elicit.
Themes in this chapter
Sympathy as the Foundation of Moral Judgment
The chapter establishes that the propriety of passions is determined by the degree to which a spectator can sympathize with them, linking moral judgment directly to sympathy.
Virtue as Propriety and Self-Command
The discussion of mediocrity in passions and the distinction between decent and indecent expressions relates to the concept of propriety as a measure of virtue.
Key passages
“The propriety of every passion excited by objects peculiarly related to ourselves, the pitch which the spectator can go along with, must lie, it is evident, in a certain mediocrity.”
The appropriateness of any personal passion is determined by a moderate level that an observer can approve of.
Introduces the core idea that propriety is a matter of balance, as judged by an impartial spectator.
“If the passion is too high, or if it is too low, he cannot enter into it.”
If a passion is too intense or too weak, the spectator cannot sympathize with it.
Explains the limits of sympathy in relation to emotional intensity.
“We denominate the excess weakness and fury: and we call the defect stupidity, insensibility, and want of spirit.”
We label excessive passion as weakness or fury, and deficient passion as stupidity or lack of spirit.
Describes the negative judgments attached to extremes of passion.
“This mediocrity, however, in which the point of propriety consists, is different in different passions.”
The moderate level that defines propriety varies depending on the specific passion.
Highlights that there is no single standard of propriety for all emotions.
“There are some passions which it is indecent to express very strongly, even upon those occasions, in which it is acknowledged that we cannot avoid feeling them in the highest degree.”
Some passions are considered improper to express intensely, even when it is understood that we feel them strongly.
Distinguishes between feeling and expressing passions, with social norms governing expression.
“And if we consider all the different passions of human nature, we shall find that they are regarded as decent, or indecent, just in proportion as mankind are more or less disposed to sympathize with them.”
The decency of any passion is directly related to how much sympathy people naturally feel for it.
Summarizes the principle that social approval of passions depends on their capacity to elicit sympathy.