ABSTRACT
This chapter examines some aspects of Smith’s conception of sympathy and the impartial spectator as a basis for his conception of justice. It explores the role of resentment in Smith’s moral psychology and his conception of the effective concern to see that justice is served. Resentment certainly can be toxic; it can become highly punitive and it can be connected with taking malicious pleasure in revenge, and so forth. Otteson emphasizes the importance of the ‘Local Knowledge Argument’ in responding to social justice objections, claiming that ‘individuals have a better chance of knowing how best to use their own resources and what courses of action to take to achieve their goals, including their positive moral obligations’. Smith’s conception of justice and the other main elements of morality, and his views on jurisprudence are open to government (the state or offices and agencies below the level of the state) having a role in addressing poverty and lack of education.
