Adam Smith

by Knud Haakonssen (Editor)

Adam Smith's major work of 1759 develops the foundation for a general system of morals, and is a text of central importance in the history of moral and political thought. Through the idea of sympathy and the mental construct of an impartial spectator, Smith formulated highly original theories of conscience, moral judgment and the virtues. This volume offers a new edition of the text with helpful notes for the student reader, and a substantial introduction that establishes the work in its philosophical and historical context.

544 pages, Hardcover

First published January 9, 1998

Reviews

[Earl H · Rating 5 out of 5]

A classic and a study needed today to understand more than economics. This is about political, economic, social, and moral context of how human cultures act in the market place and the far reaching impact the attributes Smith describes in his time and place. Most of those attributes are relevant to today especially by the technology impact on humans and societies. What is missing today more often is the nature aspect which Smith frequently mentions. Even today many of the Nobel winning economist make reference to Smith in their analysis. That alone is an incentive for one to challenge themselves to wade through his writing which I did over 50 years ago and now just completing find it much more revealing and affirms to me that his thought on how economics impact our lives daily is helpful in how I conduct my life in any exchange.

A great read and should be mandatory for all college students to read or read selective portions of his writings especially on education, politics, and some of the moral perspectives.