Adam Smith proposes a distinct perspective of "the effect of utility upon the sentiment of approbation" in The Theory of Moral Sentiments .In his opinion ,utility is not the first principle of aesthetic and moral approbation . We approve of something or some virtue not as useful ,but as proper ,as agreeable to truth and reality .Propriety is the first principle of aesthetic and moral approbation . The measure of proper degree arises from the sympathy of the impartial and well-informed spectator .As for the doctrine of utility ,propriety is not a completely experiential observation ,and it shows "a definite intention" which looks like "an invisible hand" leadi ng us to the approbation of beauty and morality .
张正萍 罗卫东. 亚当.斯密《道德情操论》中的效用论辨析[J]. 浙江大学学报(人文社会科学版), 2011, 41(5): 10-17.
Zhang Zhengping Luo Weidong. An Analysis on the Doctrine of Utility in The Theory of Moral Sentiments. , 2011, 41(5): 10-17.