Abstract

Robert Mankin

The Theory of Moral Sentiments and the Art of Dying

This paper aims to explore the situation of self in relation to a form of alienation that is prominent in TMS and not directly connected to the impartial spectator: death. TMS offers its readers both a moralistic grammar and a radical socialization of death. The end of existence is repeatedly presented in such a way that looking mankind in the face largely outweighs the definitive losing of one‚s face and identity. After reviewing empirical dimensions of the book‚s art of dying, the paper highlights a contemporary event of special significance to Smith: the death of Hume in 1776.