WHY DO WE NEED MANY MANY “Impartial Spectators” in democratic India ?

 WHY DO WE NEED MANY MANY  “Impartial Spectators” in democratic India ?

Adam Smith’s concept of the “impartial spectator” is central to his moral philosophy, offering a way for individuals to evaluate their own actions and intentions in an unbiased manner. This idea, presented in The Theory of Moral Sentiments (1759), encourages people to imagine how an impartial observer would view their behavior, fostering a sense of objective self-evaluation. Here is a detailed breakdown of the Smithian concept and its significance:

1. The Role of the Impartial Spectator

   •   The impartial spectator is a mental construct—a figure within one’s mind who stands back and assesses actions, not with the biases of personal interest, but with objectivity. According to Smith, this spectator represents a moral ideal, a neutral standpoint from which one can evaluate the fairness or virtue of one’s behavior.

   •   This concept helps individuals transcend their subjective inclinations, prejudices, or self-interest, thereby aligning their actions with a broader ethical standard that Smith believes is integral to moral society. The impartial spectator doesn’t just judge others’ actions but primarily guides individuals in judging their own, encouraging self-awareness and moral introspection.

2. Moral Evaluation Through Empathy and Imagination

   •   Smith’s idea is rooted in the human capacity for empathy or “sympathy.” By imagining how others perceive our actions, we can engage in moral self-assessment. The impartial spectator is, in a sense, a formalization of this imaginative empathy—it’s a device through which one can understand and judge personal conduct from a perspective unclouded by ego or immediate emotion.

   •   This imaginative empathy is also what allows us to understand others’ suffering or joy, thereby promoting moral actions that consider others’ welfare. Smith believed that cultivating this empathetic standpoint is crucial for moral development and for achieving social harmony.

3. Individual Responsibility and Ethical Growth

   •   The impartial spectator is not a set of rules imposed externally but rather an internalized moral guide. Unlike formal or legal codes, which operate through external enforcement, the impartial spectator encourages individuals to hold themselves accountable, fostering ethical autonomy.

   •   Smith’s approach places the responsibility for moral growth squarely on the individual. By repeatedly engaging with the impartial spectator, individuals develop the capacity for self-regulation and moral refinement. This growth happens through a process of trial and error, where personal experiences and societal norms shape an evolving moral conscience.

4. Comparison with Contemporary Moral Theories

   •   In contrast to utilitarianism, which calculates morality based on the greatest happiness for the greatest number, or Kantian ethics, which demands strict adherence to universal duties, Smith’s impartial spectator allows for flexibility and situational understanding. It acknowledges that moral choices are often complex and context-dependent.

   •   This flexibility aligns Smith’s theory more with virtue ethics, where character and moral development are central. However, unlike virtue ethics, which often lacks a clear criterion for moral evaluation, the impartial spectator serves as a consistent internal reference point that individuals can use to check their actions against societal standards.

5. Connection to Society and Community Norms

   •   Smith believed that societal norms play a crucial role in shaping the impartial spectator within us. Community standards, customs, and social expectations inform what we see as moral or immoral. The impartial spectator, therefore, is not an isolated construct but one informed by the collective moral consciousness.

   •   However, Smith also acknowledges that societal norms are not infallible. The impartial spectator helps individuals identify when these norms may be flawed, encouraging personal judgment that aligns with fairness rather than conformity. This creates a balance where individuals can develop personal morality without becoming entirely detached from their social environment.

6. The Balance of Emotion and Rationality

   •   Smith’s impartial spectator is unique in that it blends emotional empathy with rational analysis. While emotions such as empathy enable us to feel for others, the impartial spectator uses these emotions within a reasoned framework, achieving what Smith calls “propriety” in actions.

   •   This balance distinguishes Smith’s theory from pure rationalist philosophies like Kant’s. For Smith, morality involves feeling as well as thinking; rationality without empathy could lead to cold detachment, while empathy without reason could result in impulsive or biased judgments. The impartial spectator is the balanced mediator between these two extremes.

7. Practical Implications for Personal and Social Morality

   •   On a practical level, the impartial spectator guides individuals toward a balanced moral life, encouraging them to act not purely out of self-interest or impulsive compassion but from a thoughtful perspective that considers the wider implications of their behavior.

   •   Smith’s concept has broader social implications as well. When individuals adopt the impartial spectator as a moral guide, it fosters a more cooperative, empathetic society. It enables people to build trust and mutual respect, qualities essential for social cohesion and community welfare.

8. Legacy and Influence of the Impartial Spectator

   •   Though Smith’s impartial spectator is often less prominent in moral philosophy discussions than Kantian or utilitarian principles, its influence can be seen in contemporary approaches that emphasize empathy, moral responsibility, and the importance of societal norms in shaping ethics.

   •   This concept has also impacted fields beyond ethics, such as psychology, where it aligns with theories of social perspective-taking and self-regulation. By blending individual responsibility with social consciousness, the impartial spectator remains relevant as a way to address moral dilemmas that are both personal and societal.

Adam Smith’s concept of the impartial spectator is a nuanced approach to morality that bridges personal introspection with social responsibility. It offers a method for individuals to engage in ethical reflection that is neither strictly rule-bound nor purely emotional. By internalizing this “spectator,” people can cultivate a balanced moral compass that values both empathy and rationality, ultimately contributing to a more harmonious society.

Adam Smith's Impartial Spectator: A Reflective Device for Ethical Objectivity

1. Purpose of the Impartial Spectator

- Smith’s concept of the impartial spectator acts as a mental tool to examine and question one's beliefs, actions, and judgments from a fair and detached perspective.

- This reflective device was designed to help individuals step outside of personal biases and local conventions of thought, challenging assumptions that may otherwise go unquestioned.

2. Going Beyond Local Conventions

- Smith observed that people are often influenced by the conventions, customs, and biases of their immediate surroundings. Such influences may color an individual's reasoning, making it difficult to achieve true impartiality.

- To counter this, Smith proposed imagining a “spectator at a distance”—a neutral observer who is removed from these local conventions. This detached viewpoint allows individuals to examine whether their actions and beliefs would hold up under broader, more universal ethical standards.

3. A Procedure for Ethical Examination

- Smith’s approach is more than just a call for empathy; it is a *deliberate procedure* for ethical examination. By actively envisioning how a fair-minded observer would view one’s conduct, individuals gain clarity about the morality of their choices.

- This procedure enables a critical examination of actions and beliefs, helping individuals to assess whether these align with universal principles of fairness and justice rather than being confined to local biases.

4. The Role of Distance and Detachment

- Smith’s impartial spectator is effective because of its psychological “distance” from the individual’s immediate context. This distance provides a vantage point that is free from personal attachments, emotions, and community-specific beliefs.

- By imagining how one’s actions would appear to someone without these attachments, individuals can evaluate their behavior in a more balanced and objective manner.

5. Empathy as a Moral Framework

- Smith’s impartial spectator draws heavily on empathy, as it requires individuals to project themselves into the perspective of a hypothetical, neutral onlooker. This empathetic projection helps individuals understand how their actions affect others and measure their decisions against an unbiased standard.

- Through empathy, the impartial spectator provides a means of aligning personal conduct with ethical norms that transcend personal gain or local acceptance.

6. Promoting Universal Ethical Standards

- Smith’s impartial spectator aims to cultivate moral principles that are more universally valid. Rather than accepting behaviors based solely on local norms, this device encourages individuals to adhere to ethical standards that could be justified in any context.

- In doing so, the impartial spectator serves as a bridge between personal experience and universal morality, promoting a standard that is less influenced by situational biases and more by fundamental fairness.

7. Contrast with Rational Self-Interest

- While Smith is often associated with economic theories grounded in rational self-interest, the impartial spectator emphasizes a different aspect of his philosophy: ethical reflection and empathy.

- The impartial spectator calls for judgments that consider the well-being of others, balancing self-interest with a commitment to fairness and ethical objectivity.

8. Implications for Ethical Decision-Making

- For Smith, the impartial spectator is a critical component of ethical decision-making. It offers a way for individuals to rise above narrow self-concern and immediate social pressures, helping them cultivate a moral perspective that considers the broader implications of their actions.

- This device supports an ongoing process of moral refinement, where actions are continually reassessed to ensure they align with broader ethical values.

Summary

Adam Smith’s concept of the impartial spectator offers a reflective framework that encourages individuals to evaluate their actions through the eyes of a fair, unbiased observer. By distancing oneself from local conventions and biases, the impartial spectator provides a route to more universal ethical standards, promoting a balanced approach to moral reasoning grounded in empathy and fairness. This imaginative exercise helps individuals develop a sense of moral accountability that is both personal and universal, enabling a more objective approach to ethical decision-making.

Indian System of Philosophy and Concept of Nirpeksh Dashta( Impartial Observer)

In the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita, the concept of the Nirapeksha Drashta or “impartial observer”) aligns closely with the idea of viewing oneself and the world from a detached, unbiased perspective. This viewpoint encourages self-awareness, inner detachment from outcomes, and impartiality in judgment, reflecting the state of Sthitaprajna (a person with steady wisdom) who is not swayed by personal desires or ego. Let’s explore this concept in more detail and see how it compares with Adam Smith’s “impartial spectator.”

1. Understanding the Nirapeksha Drashta Concept

   •   In the Gita, Lord Krishna encourages Arjuna to adopt the perspective of a निरपेक्ष द्रष्टा, an observer who remains detached from personal emotions, judgments, and outcomes. This state requires equanimity—viewing success and failure, joy and sorrow, with the same calmness. Such detachment allows a person to act with wisdom, free from the biases of self-interest or emotional attachment.
   •   This observer is not emotionally invested in outcomes and operates with योगस्थः (a state of balanced mind), promoting inner peace and objective decision-making.

2. Comparison with Smith’s “Impartial Spectator”

   •   Detachment from Self-Interest: Both the Nirapeksha Drashta and Smith’s “impartial spectator” focus on transcending personal biases. In the Gita, this detachment is more spiritual and is about aligning with universal duty (or Dharma), while in Smith’s concept, it’s more moral and social—considering how an unbiased, imaginary observer would view one’s actions.
   •   Internal vs. External Judgment: The Gita’s Nirapeksha Drashta looks inward, encouraging individuals to align their actions with their spiritual duty while maintaining equanimity. Smith’s impartial spectator also involves internal judgment but is more socially-oriented, examining actions through the imagined gaze of a fair-minded, external observer.

3. Open Impartiality in Both Perspectives

   •   Both concepts share a form of open impartiality. The Nirapeksha Drashta is encouraged to adopt a viewpoint beyond personal ego, similar to how Smith’s impartial spectator broadens one’s understanding by considering how actions would look to a neutral observer. This impartiality promotes actions rooted in Dharma (righteousness) in the Gita and fairness in Smith’s moral philosophy.

4. Ethical Guidance through Self-Reflection

   •   Both approaches serve as guides for ethical and moral behavior. The Nirapeksha Drashta acts in alignment with universal principles, just as Smith’s spectator encourages adherence to socially empathetic moral standards. The Gita’s focus is more spiritual, encouraging detachment for achieving higher consciousness, while Smith’s impartial spectator is more practical, aiming to foster fairness in social interactions.

Conclusion

While Smith’s “impartial spectator” and the Gita’s निरपेक्ष द्रष्टा have distinct cultural and philosophical roots, they both encourage detachment from personal biases, guiding individuals toward fair and ethical action. Both emphasize the importance of transcending self-interest—Smith’s concept for moral harmony within society, and the Gita’s for spiritual alignment with Dharma. This alignment reveals a shared human aspiration across these philosophies: a balanced, just perspective that harmonizes personal action with universal principles.

Buddhist approach

Buddhist thought offers a nuanced perspective on the concept of an impartial observer, closely aligning with practices of mindfulness, compassion, and non-attachment. While Buddhism does not use the term "impartial spectator" specifically, its teachings emphasize cultivating a detached, compassionate awareness that enables individuals to understand reality without personal bias. This awareness is essential in the Buddhist path toward enlightenment and echoes the impartial observer concept found in Adam Smith's philosophy.

1. Mindfulness and Non-judgmental Awareness 

   Buddhism places great emphasis on mindfulness (sati)—the practice of observing one's thoughts, emotions, and surroundings without attachment or judgment. This approach involves cultivating an awareness that is free from emotional bias, allowing one to view situations objectively. In Buddhist practice, this mindful observation enables individuals to act in ways that are not clouded by personal desires, fears, or prejudices. By stepping back from personal impulses, one can make decisions that are more compassionate and balanced, much like Adam Smith's impartial spectator.

2. Compassionate Detachment (Uppekha) 

   In Buddhism, uppekha or "equanimity" is one of the four sublime attitudes, alongside loving-kindness, compassion, and sympathetic joy. Equanimity refers to the state of maintaining calmness and neutrality amidst the changing experiences of life. Practicing equanimity helps Buddhists detach from intense emotional responses, especially those rooted in personal attachment or aversion. Through this perspective, one cultivates an impartial view that is both compassionate and balanced. This impartiality is essential to developing ethical insight, where actions are guided by compassion and wisdom rather than self-centered motives.

3. Seeing Through the Lens of Interdependence 

   Buddhism teaches that all beings are interconnected through a web of cause and effect. This interconnectedness (known as pratītyasamutpāda or dependent origination) underlies a compassionate, non-judgmental perspective where one recognizes how personal actions impact others. An impartial observer in Buddhist thought does not view actions in isolation but considers the broader impact of actions on all beings. This awareness fosters a compassionate understanding that transcends self-interest, aligning with a universal ethical view that benefits the larger community.

4. Avoiding Ego-based Judgments

   Buddhism advocates for a reduction of ego-based thinking, where judgments are made not out of a sense of "self" but rather out of wisdom and compassion. This approach encourages practitioners to observe situations without the influence of personal ego, thereby reducing the tendency toward biased or self-serving decisions. The Buddhist path emphasizes letting go of attachment to self, which is seen as a primary source of suffering. By diminishing this attachment, Buddhists can approach situations from a perspective that is both empathetic and impartial, similar to the impartial spectator’s detached evaluation.

5. Compassionate Action and Universal Good 

   For Buddhists, acting from a place of compassionate understanding is paramount, and it serves as a guiding principle for ethical behavior. The Buddha taught that one should act in ways that minimize suffering for oneself and others. This compassion-driven neutrality aligns with the idea of the impartial spectator in that it encourages individuals to evaluate their actions based on how they affect others and contribute to the collective well-being, rather than being swayed by personal biases or localized cultural conventions.

6. Ethical Reflection through Meditation  

   In Buddhism, meditation practices like vipassana (insight meditation) encourage practitioners to cultivate a state of reflective awareness. This self-reflection helps Buddhists observe their own thoughts, desires, and biases objectively, much like Smith’s impartial spectator. Through meditation, Buddhists aim to perceive reality as it truly is, without the distortions of personal attachments or aversions. This meditative approach aids in cultivating an impartial and compassionate outlook, where one can make decisions with greater ethical clarity and mindfulness.

In essence, Buddhist teachings on impartial observation center on mindful awareness, compassion, and the reduction of ego-based biases. These practices lead to an ethical stance that, much like Smith’s impartial spectator, helps individuals make decisions that are fair, compassionate, and aligned with universal principles. By practicing mindful detachment, Buddhists strive to develop a balanced perspective that nurtures both personal and societal well-being, fostering an ethical life in harmony with others.

Need of Impartial Spectator In Democratic India

In a multicultural society as vast and diverse as India, where different religions, regions, castes, and even sub-castes each bring unique traditions and norms, the potential for unifying democratic values can often be challenged by local biases and conventions. Adam Smith’s concept of the “impartial spectator,” however, offers a philosophical framework that could serve as a tool to develop a shared democratic culture across these varied social landscapes. Smith’s idea encourages individuals to imagine a neutral observer—a spectator who is detached from local attachments, beliefs, and biases—and to assess their own actions through this observer’s unbiased eyes. Through this imaginative exercise, Indian society could be guided toward an overarching democratic ethic that respects diversity yet maintains unity.

Smith developed the concept of the impartial spectator as a mental device to help individuals transcend personal biases. In his view, people often interpret situations based on the conventions and customs of their immediate surroundings, whether those are religious practices, regional customs, or family traditions. In India, this localized perspective is particularly pronounced given the multiplicity of beliefs, languages, and social practices across the country. To counter this, Smith suggested envisioning a “spectator at a distance,” someone unconnected to these influences, whose perspective provides a fair and balanced viewpoint. For Indians, this detachment could be invaluable in cultivating an impartial outlook on ethical and social issues, where judgments would no longer be limited by the biases of caste, religion, or region but instead align with broader principles of fairness and justice.

The impartial spectator goes beyond simple empathy or understanding—it offers a structured approach to ethical examination. Smith’s spectator is a fair-minded observer, standing outside immediate social affiliations, helping individuals judge whether their actions meet ethical standards that would resonate universally. This idea encourages Indians to move beyond actions accepted in their local communities and instead consider whether these actions hold up against standards that would be respected by people from all walks of life within the nation. For example, an individual reflecting on caste-based discrimination might question whether this practice could be justified in the eyes of a neutral, detached spectator, prompting a critical reassessment of local biases in favor of democratic equality. Such a process encourages the development of values that support democratic ideals, allowing Indians to engage with their society as members of a larger, ethically cohesive community.

Central to Smith’s concept is the importance of distance and detachment. In India, where strong personal connections to family, caste, and religion are often defining aspects of one’s identity, imagining a neutral observer provides psychological distance. This detachment frees individuals from the constraints of personal or community biases, offering a balanced viewpoint from which they can better evaluate their own behaviors. For instance, when considering complex inter-group conflicts, a person might use the perspective of an impartial spectator to reflect on whether their actions contribute to harmony or discord within the broader society. Through this device, individuals can adopt a pan-Indian outlook, fostering the mutual respect and cohesion that democratic values require.

At the heart of the impartial spectator is empathy. This empathy-driven framework encourages people to consider how their actions impact others, pushing them to understand experiences from another’s perspective. In a society as pluralistic as India, where differing customs, norms, and identities coexist, empathy serves as a bridge, fostering an understanding that transcends local loyalties and narrow interests. For instance, an individual from a particular cultural background may use the impartial spectator to better appreciate the traditions and values of another group, thus supporting the inclusive, democratic ethos necessary for a society of such diversity. The impartial spectator’s emphasis on empathy and detachment helps individuals align their actions with values that transcend personal gain or the acceptance of one’s immediate community, facilitating a stronger democratic society.

Smith’s impartial spectator ultimately advocates for ethical standards that are more universal and objective. For Indian society, where each community often operates by its own set of cultural and ethical rules, the impartial spectator encourages a shift toward universal democratic values that respect diversity without falling into sectarianism. By nurturing a commitment to fairness and a willingness to adhere to universal principles, this approach helps foster values that underpin democratic governance. The impartial spectator encourages individuals to view their actions as members of a larger community, supporting a national identity based on mutual respect and justice. In this way, Smith’s philosophy offers a framework that not only strengthens personal morality but also builds a foundation for collective democratic behavior.

While Adam Smith is often associated with economic theories of rational self-interest, his impartial spectator embodies a different side of his philosophy—one rooted in empathy and ethical objectivity. The impartial spectator asks individuals to weigh their judgments in light of others’ well-being, balancing personal interests with an ethical commitment to the greater good. In India, where economic divisions and social hierarchies often intensify differences, the impartial spectator can inspire people to consider the social consequences of their actions. Instead of merely serving individual goals, it encourages decisions that take into account broader societal impacts, thereby supporting democratic values that prioritize public welfare over private interests.

Smith’s impartial spectator thus provides a valuable framework for ethical decision-making in India’s multicultural landscape. By encouraging individuals to rise above the pressures of immediate social contexts, the impartial spectator helps people to consider how their actions align with a democratic vision that is both inclusive and respectful of diversity. During moments of communal tension, for instance, the impartial spectator can guide individuals to seek fairness and balance in their responses, helping to de-escalate conflict and promote harmony. This reflective device supports an ongoing process of moral refinement, where individuals can reassess their choices continuously to ensure they align with democratic ideals that embrace inclusivity and equity.

In summary, Adam Smith’s impartial spectator offers a framework for ethical reflection and moral accountability, one that can support India’s efforts to build a democratic culture amidst its complex social diversity. By encouraging individuals to evaluate their actions through the lens of a neutral, empathetic observer, the impartial spectator fosters a sense of ethical responsibility that is personal yet universal. This imaginative exercise enables Indians to engage in democratic decision-making that respects differences while promoting unity, creating a balanced approach to morality grounded in empathy and fairness. In a society as layered and intricate as India’s, Smith’s impartial spectator provides a powerful tool for fostering a shared democratic ethos, helping individuals and communities transcend personal biases to embrace the collective good.

Rahul Ramya

31.10.2024, Patna, India