Smith’s appeal to ‘nature’ and the ‘species’ are far from being liabilities
"[Adam] Smith’s interest in the philosophy of mind and in the apparent irrational or non-utilitarian manner in which we feel resentment (and so ‘punish’ and ‘reward’ others) appeals to economists interested in engaging with neuroscientists such as those exploring the function of mirror neurons. Here Smith’s appeal to ‘nature’ and the ‘species’ are far from being liabilities, while his interest in the development of human society appeals to those eager to understand human behaviour as the product of human evolution." (Jonathan Conlin, Critical Lives-Adam Smith)
I don't understand the emphasized part, what does that mean?
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alibey1917 I don't understand the emphasized part, what does that mean? The writer has apparently criticized Smith's take on "the species" and "nature" earlier in the piece. He now admits that those ideas are valuable ("far from being liabilities", understatement) in this one arena, where economists join with neuroscientists in examining human behavior as a biological phenomenon.
- alibey1917 I don't understand the emphasized part, what does that mean?
- The writer has apparently criticized Smith's take on "the species" and "nature" earlier in the piece.
- He now admits that those ideas are valuable ("far from being liabilities", understatement) in this one arena, where economists join with neuroscientists in examining human behavior as a biological phenomenon.
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alibey1917I don't understand the emphasized part, what does that mean?
The writer has apparently criticized Smith's take on "the species" and "nature" earlier in the piece. He now admits that those ideas are valuable ("far from being liabilities", understatement) in this one arena, where economists join with neuroscientists in examining human behavior as a
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