The translation into Spanish of the Theory of Moral Sentiments

This chapter examines the influence of the Spanish translation of the book byAdam Smith, The Theory of Moral Sentiments (TMS), through the demand-supply model for the transfer of ideas. With regard to Adam Smith’s moral ideas, there has been a double impulse, in terms of both supply and demand, as a result of some specific features of the translation itself. So, first I look at the background in terms of the translation into Spanish ofAdam Smith’s books. I then go on to develop the supply and demand model for the transfer of ideas, using as an example the translation of the TMS and examine the influence that this “supply” has had on Spanish-speaking countries. Finally, we will focus on the long-running debate about the translation and use of the word sympathy in the Smithian context and the misleading translation of the word propriety in the Spanish version.