PHIL 3009: Major Figure in Philosophy: Adam Smith - Capitalism and the Moral Sentiments

University of North Carolina, Charlotte

An investigation into the thoughts and writings of a major figure in philosophy with special emphasis on primary sources. Included may be Plato, Aristotle, Descartes, Kant, Marx, Nietzsche, Heidegger, Quine, Davidson, Rawls, and others as indicated by departmental needs and interests. Section information text: This course will focus on the two great works of Adam Smith, *The Theory of Moral Sentiments* (1759) and *The Wealth of Nations* (1776). These two works appear to conflict, the former advocating a theory of sympathetic and other-focused morality, the latter offering a self-focused economic and political theory. We'll determine to what extent this may be true by closely examining how Smith’s views of sympathy, the impartial spectator, justice, and the division of labor inform his views of social behavior and economic prosperity.

Average GPA: 3.15

Grade distribution records: 77 students across 3 terms.

Grade distribution

Based on 77 student grade records across 3 terms and 2 professors.

Instructors

• Michael Kelly 57 students, Average GPA 3.37
• Martin Shuster 20 students, Average GPA 2.44