Justice as described by Adam Smith
Justice as described by Adam Smith in his two famous publications can be said to be of great influence to our actions as human beings. In his book "A theory of moral sentiments" Adam Smith argues that self-interest was not the motive driving modern civilization although he does not dispute the power of self-interest in influencing human actions he insists that self-interest is balanced in us by several moral sentiments especially sympathy for fellow humans. He points out that it is this feeling of sympathy that prohibits us from causing harm to fellow humans as is the virtue of justice. This virtue he writes can be supported by three aspects; first the force of the sentiment itself, a sense of sympathy, and the almost unanimous approval from fellow humans which is noted as being key to influencing our actions. Smith however contradicts a fellow philosopher Hume on the opinion whether justice is a natural or an artificial sentiment. Whereas Hume is of the opinion that the feeling of justice is an artificial sentiment Smith holds a contrary opinion that this feeling is natural and innate in human beings.
Contradictions in Smith's work
Being one of the most important and widely accepted philosopher, Smith however contradicts his statements and opinions held by other important philosophers on the importance of the virtue of justice in the prosperity of humans in his other book regarded as the bible of capitalism "The wealth of Nations" in which he supports the free market system to be vital in the success of the economy. However, in this book Smith does not consider the plight of the very poor people who do not benefit from the rise in prosperity and also the free market system advocated for by Smith results in great inequalities between the few rich and the many poor people. This presents an oxymoron on the part of the principles advocated for by the economist in his two books. Also, the sense of community promoted in the book "The theory of moral sentiment" is strongly contradicted in the book "The Wealth of a Nation" whose bottom-line is that "there can be no sense of justice based on prosperity alone."
The consequences of violating justice
According to Smith in his work published in "The theory of moral sentiments" the results of violation of justice expose us to resentment and punishment which is a direct consequence of resentment. Smith highlights murder as the most evil form of injustice one can inflict on another which generates the highest degree of resentment for the one responsible. He also notes that in the quest to obtain justice by punishment and prevent more injustices from occurring appropriate measures are sanctioned for. Smith also points out that even the individual carrying out an injustice is conscious that the use of force may be used to bring harm to another individual as well as be applied in preventing him from causing the harm noting that this is what sets justice apart from all other social virtues. It is highlighted that our actions are influenced first hand by a sense of acting according to justice. This works are important in highlighting the importance of the virtue of justice as part our moral sentiments and how it helps guide our actions. Smith argues that one cannot be incited to cause harm to another individual instead the cause of injustice is as a result of collision of interests between individuals. He quickly points out that it is innate in humans to advance his/her own agenda to serve the self-interests. He however provides caution that it is not advisable to cause harm to another as a result of advancing one's self-interests. In his book, he highlights the fate of an individual who causes injustice to another by causing murder and how sentiments from others influences the individual's remorse for his actions. Smith also notes that "wherever there is great property there is great inequality hence highlights the importance of civil governments in such a case in establishing order and ensuring justice for both the few rich and the many poor who might be influenced to invade his possessions.
The influence of self-interest and the importance of working together
The importance of the virtue of justice as part of our moral sentiments is, however, overshadowed by self-interests which Smith notes is natural for every human to possess. However, even in advancing our self-interests, we are limited by the regard of other people's sentiments towards us. Despite self-interest being a virtue that greatly influences our actions Smith notes that "solitude is more dreaded than society" proving that our desire to be integrated and accepted in society plays a role in guiding humans as they advance their self-interests. Despite the virtue of self-interest being innate in humans it is in the nature of human beings to work together as Smith notes in his book "The Wealth of a Nation" whereby he provides an example of a woolen coat as being a product of joint labor efforts from a multitude of workmen. In this book, he points out the division of labor that has proved to be an efficient production method over the years as being a collection of individual efforts to achieve a goal. He provides an example of two greyhounds hunting a hare to support his theory. However, all these individual efforts are driven by self-interest, proving that this virtue influences our daily actions.
The need for alignment of self-interests
Smith observes that it is natural with animals that on the onset of maturity they achieve independence however also depends on the support from others occasionally but humans have a higher dependency for this support from others. Hence has to influence the self-interest of those he/she intends to obtain support from in order to ensure their self-interests are aligned, hence guaranteeing their support. Smith points out our differences as individuals and emphasizes this by using a classical example of the different breeds of dogs in existence and hence putting across his point on the need for us to work together and align our self-interest to achieve an objective.
The importance of justice and its relation to prosperity
From this topic, we were able to identify justice as an important social virtue of our moral sentiments that greatly influences human actions. However, justice is overshadowed by the urge of humans to pursue our self-interests. According to Smith, the prosperity of a society cannot be guaranteed by having a greater number of poor people as compared to the number of the poor people, hence equality which is basically guided by the virtue of justice proving that justice is an important moral sentiment.
Conclusion
In conclusion, justice is perceived to be a paramount virtue in humanity although to some extent, it is a mode of attainment of self-satisfaction through self-interests. The work of Smith has proven to be of great importance in modern-day life. The main focal points in his work have helped in the development of modern-day life. Also, it has been of great importance as it is has been treated as a fundamental ingredient in the understanding of modern civilization. He has helped us in understanding the concepts behind self-interest. In his work, Smith has greatly highlighted the main moral sentiments that help in composing self-interest.
References
citedAdam Smith, “Justice as a moral sentiment,” from a Theory of the Moral Sentiments;
“The Virtues of the Free Market,” from The Wealth of Nations. Pages 143-151 in Solomon, Robert C. and Mark C. Murphy What is Justice? : Classic and Contemporary Readings, 2nd
edition, New York: Oxford University Press, 2000.
