Dubnck, Melvin J. “‘A moral being is an accountable being’: Adam Smith and the Ethical Foundations of Accountable Governance.” Prepared for delivery at 2010 Annual Meeting of the Midwest Political Science Association, April 22-25, 2010, Chicago IL.
Abstract: In this paper I argue that among the “lost legacies” of Adam Smith’s work was a perspective on human morality that warrants his consideration as the first modern theorist of accountable governance. I elaborate on my rationale for that claim after reviewing the particular writings in Smith’s principal work (in this case TMS rather than WN) which I believe establish his foundational role in such a theory and discussing the factors behind its “lost” status.
AI-Geneerated Summary:
This document analyzes Adam Smith’s moral philosophy, emphasizing his overlooked contributions to accountable governance and the misinterpretation of his work.
Misinterpretations of Adam Smith’s Legacy
- Smith is popularly associated with capitalism, laissez-faire, and the “invisible hand,” often exaggerated.
- Recent scholarship emphasizes his broader contributions, especially his moral philosophy and social theory.
Evolution of Smith’s Moral and Social Philosophy
- Smith’s early work, especially TMS, centers on morality rooted in social relationships and accountability.
- His view evolved through editions, with the 6th edition removing explicit references to accountability, reflecting shifts in philosophical emphasis.
Central Premise of Moral Accountability
- Smith asserts that a moral being is inherently an accountable being, emphasizing the importance of giving an account of actions to others.
- Accountability to others is fundamental to morality, emerging from social interactions and relationships.
Smith’s Concept of Moral Community
- Morality is embedded in social relationships within moral communities, where standards are emergent rather than externally imposed.
- These relationships are based on sympathy, which involves understanding and sharing fellow feelings, forming the basis of moral judgments.
Role of Sympathy and the Impartial Spectator
- Sympathy, including empathy, is central to Smith’s moral psychology, fostering social proximity and moral development.
- The “impartial spectator” internalizes social judgments, guiding individuals to act morally based on collective moral standards.
Smith’s Social Theory and Market Embedding
- Smith’s moral theory extends to social structures, asserting markets are embedded in moral communities of accountable beings.
- His social theory emphasizes that social relationships and morality are natural and emergent from human interactions.
Impact of Historical and Political Context
- Changes in editions and political fears, such as reactions to revolutionary ideas, influenced Smith’s explicit references to accountability.
- Despite revisions, the core idea that morality involves accountability remains implicit in his later works.
Significance of Smith’s Moral and Social Foundations
- Smith’s moral philosophy is naturalistic, emphasizing social emergence over external authority or rational calculation.
- His work provides a foundation for understanding social relationships, morality, and accountability as interconnected and rooted in human interaction.
Moral Foundations of Accountability
- Accountability is rooted in social relationships within moral communities.
- It is an emergent moral order, not just institutional mechanisms for answerability.
Adam Smith’s Ethical View on Governance
- Smith’s work suggests markets are best governed by moral accountability fostering trust.
- Good governance involves natural development of relationships among accountable beings, not just mechanisms.
Markets and Governance Challenges
- Markets vary in scale and form, from families to global trade, all requiring effective governance.
- Effective governance solves coordination and control problems through formal and informal mechanisms.
Smith’s Concept of a Well-Governed Society
- Smith emphasizes that markets generate prosperity through division of labor and exchange.
- Proper governance facilitates moral relationships that sustain market efficiency and societal opulence.
Critique of Laissez-Faire and Natural Development
- Smith’s early notes are often misinterpreted as advocating minimal government.
- His actual view favors natural emergence of governance, guided by moral accountability, not complete laissez-faire.
Role of Moral Accountability in Market Order
- Smith links moral accountability to market success and societal trust.
- A well-governed market depends on moral community relationships that promote trust and justice.