The Theory of Moral Sentiments · Character

Mr. John Smith

Hypothetical individual used in examples of moral reasoning.

minor

Also known as John

First appearance: i of the principle of self approbation and of self disapprobation

Mr. John Smith shows up with force in Of the Unsocial Passions. The page is where that presence becomes real.

Referenced as the authorial voice discussing the nature of unsocial passions and the role of the impartial spectator.

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In Of the Unsocial Passions: Referenced as the authorial voice discussing the nature of unsocial passions and the role of the impartial spectator. Later, in Of the Causes of This Influence of Fortune: Referenced in the…

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See Mr. John Smith in i of the principle of self approbation and of self disapprobation

Character Web

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Classical and Modern Moral Exemplars

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Falling action.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

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Mr. John Smith appears across 4 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Of the Unsocial Passions
Referenced as the authorial voice discussing the nature of unsocial passions and the role of the impartial spectator.
Of the Causes of This Influence of Fortune
Referenced in the excerpt as the author of 'The Turkish Spy', which recounts an officer's brutal treatment of a horse.
Of the Influence and Authority of Conscience
Used as a hypothetical example of a man of humanity who would be more disturbed by losing his little finger than by the ruin of a hundred million brethren, illustrating the natural selfishness of passive feelings.
V: Of the Influence and Authority of the General Rules of Morality, and That They Are Justly Regarded as the Laws of the Deity
Referenced as a generic example of a man who acts from a sense of duty rather than natural sentiment, illustrating the principle of general rules.

Chapter companion notes

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See Mr. John Smith in i of the principle of self approbation and of self disapprobation

See Mr. John Smith in Of the Unsocial Passions