Economics Dictionary of ArgumentsHome
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| Ideal observer: An ideal observer in philosophy is a hypothetical observer who is perfectly rational, impartial, and informed. The concept is often used to discuss the nature of moral right and wrong. Other philosophers argue that this is unrealistic as we are all human beings with our own biases and limitations. See also Impartiality, Rationality, Observation, Objectivity._____________Annotation: The above characterizations of concepts are neither definitions nor exhausting presentations of problems related to them. Instead, they are intended to give a short introduction to the contributions below. – Lexicon of Arguments. | |||
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Adam Smith on Ideal Observer - Dictionary of Arguments
Rawls I 184 Ideal observer/society/order/justice/dam Smith/Rawls: something, e. g. a social system, is fair, if an ideal impartial observer from outside would judge this from a general point of view, if he/she had all relevant information about the circumstances. (See Roderick Firth,"Ethical Absolutism and the Ideal Observer", Philosophy and Phenomenological Research, vol. 12,1952; F. C. Sharp, Good and Ill Wll, Chicago, 1950, pp. 156-162; A. Smith, The Theory of Moral Sentiments, in L. A. Selby-Bigge, British Moralists, vol. I Oxford, 1897, pp. 257-277. >Observation, >Method, >Idealization, >Knowledge, >Impartiality, >Circumstances, >Economy, >Society, >Systems. For a more general discussion: C. D. Broad,"Some Reflections on Moral-Sense Theories in Ethics". Proceedings oft he he Aristotelian Society, vol. 45 (1944-45). W. K. Kneale "Objectivity in Morals", Philosophy, vol. 25 (1950).) - - - Otteson I 18 Ideal observer/Adam Smith/Otteson: (…) the patterns of behavior that we discover, and that get positively reinforced by achievement of mutual sympathy of sentiments, become a set of real moral standards. They are created by human beings, but they are not arbitrary or subjective: they must meet with others' approval as well and are thus subject to external, social correction. And given that we have similar psychological and material needs that can be met only in society With others, there is bound to be some commonality across cultures, even if some details vary. >Cultural values, >Cultural tradition, >Objectivity, >Culture, >Relativism. The impartial spectator standard would then allow some variability with matters that are less central to human survival, and be more fixed regarding other matters that are more central. >Morality/Adam Smith, >Community/Adam Smith._____________Explanation of symbols: Roman numerals indicate the source, arabic numerals indicate the page number. The corresponding books are indicated on the right hand side. ((s)…): Comment by the sender of the contribution. Translations: Dictionary of Arguments The note [Concept/Author], [Author1]Vs[Author2] or [Author]Vs[term] resp. "problem:"/"solution:", "old:"/"new:" and "thesis:" is an addition from the Dictionary of Arguments. If a German edition is specified, the page numbers refer to this edition. |
EconSmith I Adam Smith The Theory of Moral Sentiments London 2010 EconSmithV I Vernon L. Smith Rationality in Economics: Constructivist and Ecological Forms Cambridge 2009 Rawl I J. Rawls A Theory of Justice: Original Edition Oxford 2005 Otteson I James R. Otteson The Essential Adam Smith Vancouver: Fraser Institute. 2018 |
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