Of the final cause of the irregularity of sentiments

Vernon L. Smith ()
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Vernon L. Smith: Chapman University

Chapter Chapter 23 in Adam Smith’s Theory of Society, 2025, pp 199-204 from Springer

Abstract: Abstract Nature teaches us to give weight to realized outcomes rather than intentionsIntention only, which appears to discourage virtueVirtueas propriety. But if all rewardProprietyand reward and all punishmentJusticeand punishment are to be levied on they who are good or evil in their hearts, by what invasive inquisition and suspension of freedom are such judgments to be made? We cringe in horror at the thought of governments, as in North Korea, Russia, etc., inviting citizens to earn the favor of the government by spying on their neighbors. As publicized in the revelations of EllsbergEllsberg, Daniel and SnowdenSnowden, the jealousiesTreasonEllsberg, Snowden of our own government drove the leaders to commit these same authoritarian interventions. The important difference is that the revelations were revealed by dissent and that is why we are free and why others are not.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-68494-4_23

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