Corruption des travailleurs et éducation dans les sociétés commerciales selon Adam Smith

Benoît Walraevens

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Abstract: This article aims to show the originality and the richness of Smith's analysis of the dehumanizing effects of the division of labour. First, I find out the origin of his analysis in the debates of civic humanism on the corruption of people's character in commercial societies. Then I show that Smith presents a specific and broader concept of corruption based on his own ethical theory. To be more precise, the corruption of workers must be seen as a loss of the four cardinal virtues [prudence, justice, beneficence, and self-command) and as a weakening of their capacity to sympathize with others. Consequently, public education is supported by Smith on the ground that it fosters people's civic and moral sentiments.

Keywords: division of labour; virtue; Smith; division du travail; corruption; vertu; éducation (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2011
Note: View the original document on HAL open archive server: https://shs.hal.science/halshs-00762001
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Published in Cahiers d'Economie Politique = Papers in political economy, 2011, 60, pp.11-44

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:hal:journl:halshs-00762001

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