A Theory of Sociality, Morality, and Monsters: Adam Smith and Mary Shelley

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