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[LÉVESQUE DE POUILLY, Louis-Jean].

The Theory of Agreeable Sensations:

The Theory of Agreeable Sensations:

in which the laws observed by nature in the distribution of pleasure are investigated; and the principles of natural theology and moral philosophy are established.

Stock Code 115399

London, Printed for W. Owen, between the Temples Gates, Fleet Street, 1774

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Influenced Adam Smith's Moral Sentiments. An early edition in English of this important essay on ethics and aesthetics in the tradition of Shaftesbury and Hutcheson, which greatly influenced both David Hume and Adam Smith.

The text was first published in Paris in 1736 as Théorie des Sentiments Agréables, before later being re-worked into the Encyclopédie article 'Plaisir' attributed to Diderot. Lévesque de Pouilly (1691-1750) was an early supporter of Newtonianism, and a student of English empirical philosophy. His central thesis is that sympathy amounts to the coordianted emotional attunement of two independent beings.

Later edition; 12mo (17 x 11 cm); lacking rear 3ff of ads., contemporary ownership inscription in pen to half-title verso, contemporary MS corrections to C6 recto, MS notes in later hand to C11 verso, repaired tear to rear endpaper; contemporary sheep, rebacked and recornered, red morocco lettering-piece to spine, worm hole to half-title and title extending just into imprint, occasional slight spotting, else very good; x, [6], 216pp.

ESTC T79271.

Provenance

Provenance: L. Ritchie (inscription).

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