Changing Society and Institutions in the Theories of Adam Smith and Sophie de Grouchy

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to present a comparative analysis and reconstruction of the approach to social, moral, and institutional change in the theories of Adam Smith and Sophie de Grouchy. In their theories moral philosophy is inextricably linked with social thought. I also discuss the role of education and institutions in such a process. I argue that Smith's and de Grouchy's understanding of the roles of sympathy and institutions are strictly connected to the way they perceive the process of social change. Both philosophers considered people as equals and equally capable of sympathizing with others. For both of them, sympathy is a key element in reconstructing how societies change. In my opinion, both these philosophers believe that such a change can be induced: in the case of de Grouchy, this would be done primarily by legislators. In the case of Smith, respected people are capable of initiating change and are subsequently followed by others.

‘Covering all the [welfare] basics’: a critical policy study of the Expert Panel on Basic Income report in British Columbia, Canada

“…It was, Smith claimed, something for which 'man, who can subsist only in society, was fitted by nature' (cited in Report, p 50). It was not an emotion, but rather an analytical activity as natural to humans living in society as gravity (Forget, 2001;Schliesser, 2019;Markwart, 2022). Sympathy, according to Smith, is not about being kind to others, but rather understanding the ways in which individuals of diverse characters and experiences share a common social reality.…”

Egalitarian sympathies? Adam Smith and Sophie de Grouchy on inequality and social order

“…As far as I am aware, the only monograph on Smith that discusses Grouchy in any detail is Schliesser (2017a). For notable article‐length studies comparing various aspects of Grouchy's and Smith's theories, see Bréban and Dellemotte (2017); Dawson (2004); Dawson (2014); Forget (2001); Markwart (2019); Markwart (2022); McCrudden Illert (2023); Pisanelli (2022); Schliesser (2019); Tegos (2013).…”