Impartial Spectating and the Price Analogy

Douglas J. Den Uyl

Econ Journal Watch, 2016, vol. 13, issue 2, 264–272

Abstract: In this discussion of Adam Smith’s impartial spectator I draw an analogy between the impartial spectator and prices. In both cases we have a socially rooted yet generally impersonal phenomenon. The price analogy also helps in realizing that ‘impartial spectating’ may be a term that has multiple dimensions. I argue that one dimension in particular is at the heart of the meaning of the impartial spectator.

Keywords: Adam Smith; Theory of Moral Sentiments; impartial spectator; philosophy (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: A13 B12 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2016
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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