The Theory of Moral Sentiments · Chapter
Part II: Of Merit and Demerit; or, of the Objects of Reward and Punishment explained
This part introduces the concepts of merit and demerit as the proper objects of reward and punishment.
What happens
This part introduces the concepts of merit and demerit as the proper objects of reward and punishment. Merit is defined as an action that deserves reward because it is the proper object of gratitude, while demerit is an action that deserves punishment because it is the proper object of resentment. The discussion emphasizes the role of sympathetic feelings in determining moral approval or disapproval of actions and their consequences.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Rising action.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This passage marks the dramatic climax because it crystallizes the core psychological crisis: the tension betw…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Sympathy as the Foundation of Moral Judgment
Merit and demerit are defined through the sympathetic feelings of gratitude and resentment, which form the basis for reward and punishment.
- Justice as the Pillar of Society vs. Beneficence as Ornament
The distinction between merit (reward) and demerit (punishment) lays the groundwork for understanding justice as essential to social order.
