648 B
648 B
Benevolence
Definition
The natural human disposition toward kindness and goodwill toward others, which Smith argues is insufficient as a basis for economic organisation since individuals cannot rely on others' benevolence alone to meet their needs in a complex society.
Source Chapter
Book I, Chapter 2
Context
Smith contrasts benevolence with self-interest as motivations for economic exchange, arguing that we do not expect our dinner from the butcher's benevolence but from his regard to his own interest, establishing self-love as the more reliable foundation for economic cooperation.
Economic Domain
General Theory