A Theory of Sociality, Morality, and Monsters: Adam Smith and Mary Shelley
Adam Smith Review 13, Spring 2021
25 Pages Posted: 8 Aug 2018 Last revised: 21 Aug 2020
Date Written: August 20, 2020
Abstract
The moral philosopher and political economist Adam Smith (1723-1790) and the author Mary Shelley (1798-1851) are studied in different spheres of the academy, for rather different purposes, with no supposed reason for dialogue. We claim in a close concurrent reading, however, that Smith and Shelley share a common project to connect humanity with mutuality, morality with sociality. Our narrative entwines Smith’s Theory of Moral Sentiments with Shelley’s Frankenstein to reveal the critical nature of human sociality for our morality.
Keywords: Adam Smith, Mary Shelley, Fellow-Feeling, Sociality, Monster, Frankenstein, Moral Sentiments
JEL Classification: A1, B0, Z1
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation