The Cambridge Companion to Adam Smith

by Knud Haakonssen (Editor)

Although Adam Smith is best known as the founder of scientific economics and an early proponent of the modern market economy, political economy is only one part of his comprehensive intellectual system. Consisting of a theory of mind and its functions in language, arts, science and social intercourse, Smith's system was a towering contribution to the Scottish Enlightenment. This Companion provides an up-to-date examination of all aspects of Smith's thought. Collectively, the essays take into account his multiple contexts--Scottish, British, European, Atlantic, biographical, institutional, political and philosophical.

Genres: Philosophy, Economics, Politics, History, Business, Reference, Nonfiction

424 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 2005

Reviews

[Sergej van Middendorp · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read several articles from the book to understand relationships between Smith and Mandeville's thinking.

[Myrick Crampton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adam Smith was much more than the “invisible hand” and this book will help you understand his theory of morals, language, sympathy and the impartial spectator, and his thoughts about virtue.

I’m quite impressed with his approach and the way he thinks about the world, especially given what was known about the world then. It’s hard to think of a historical figure that I’d rather have as a friend and companion.

[Craig Bolton]

The Cambridge Companion to Adam Smith (Cambridge Companions to Philosophy) by Knud Haakonssen (2006)