Online Discussion Schedule
A series of online discussions will take place as part of this reading group.
These have been scheduled as follows:
Session |
Date (2024) |
Reading |
Overview |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tuesday 5th March | Introduction and Part 1 Section 1 pp. 9-26 (14 pages) | In Session 1 we discuss Smith’s introduction to his theory and the key ideas of sympathy and imagination. |
| 2 | Tuesday 19th March | Part 1 Section 2-3 pp. 27-66 (30 pages) | In Session 2 we explore Smith’s account of the moral sentiments, the idea of mutual sympathy, and the generation of idea of propriety |
| 3 | Tuesday 2nd April | Part 2 Sections 1-3 pp. 67-108 (30 pages) | In Session 3 we move on to discuss Smith’s theory of how we come to judge other people and develop beliefs about reward and punishment. |
| 4 | Tuesday 16th April | Part 3 Sections 1-6 pp. 109-178 (70 pages) | In Session 4 we explore the heart of Smith’s theory. The idea of the impartial spectator and the development of conscience, and how they allow us to judge our own behaviour. |
| 5 | Tuesday 30th April | Part 4 and Part 5 pp. 179-211 (20 pages) | In Session 5 we cover two short Parts where Smith explains the role of utility in his theory and the relationship of his theory of morality to the ideas of custom and fashion. |
| 6 | Tuesday 14th May | Part 6 Sections 1-3 pp. 212-264 (50 pages) | In Session 6 we explore Smith’s account of virtue and the character traits that make us good people. |
| 7 | Tuesday 28th May | Part 7 Sections 1-4 pp. 265-342 (77 pages) | In Session 7 we examine the final Part of TMS where Smith criticises the theories of other philosophers. |
Each session will be held via Zoom conference call.
You will receive joining instructions one week before each session. These will be sent to your registered email address.