The Elevated Imagination: Contemplation and Action in David Hume and Adam Smith. Issue 1 (March 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Matson, Erik W.; Doran, Colin
• Is Part Of: Journal of Scottish philosophy. Volume 15:Issue 1(2017)
• Page Start: 27
• Page End: 45
• Publication Date: 2017-03
• Subjects: David Hume -- Adam Smith -- A Treatise of Human Nature -- The Theory of Moral Sentiments -- imagination -- contemplation; Philosophy, Scottish -- Periodicals; Periodicals; 192
• DOI: 10.3366/jsp.2017.0150
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1479-6651

Abstract

Abstract : In this paper we seek to draw attention to some striking and heretofore unnoticed textual connections between Adam Smith's Theory of Moral Sentiments and David Hume's A Treatise of Human Nature . We find significant textual parallels between the parable of the poor man's son of TMS 4.1 (TMS 4.1.8-4.1.10) and the famous conclusion to Book 1 of Hume's Treatise . These passages are often regarded as especially intense and moving parts of their respective works. We explore the nature and substance of these connections and comment on their larger significance. The nature of the connections suggests that Smith consciously engaged Hume in his work through philosophical conversation. We suggest that these related passages show both Hume and Smith exploring and developing a particular dialectic between contemplation and action in human life. Both move to invert the classical relationship between contemplation and action through what we call the elevated imagination.