Adam Smith : a very short introduction / Christopher J. Berry.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Berry, Christopher J., author.

Series:

Very short introductions ; 582.

Very short introductions ; 582

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Smith, Adam, 1723-1790.

Smith, Adam.

Genre:

Biographies.

Physical Description:

128 pages : illustration ; 18 cm.

Edition:

First edition.

Place of Publication:

Oxford, United Kingdom : Oxford University Press, 2018.

Summary:

In 1776 Adam Smith (1723-90) wrote 'The Wealth of Nations', a book so foundational it has led to him being called the 'father of economics'. Today he is associated with the promotion of self-interest, a defence of greed and a criticism of any governmental 'interference' in market transactions which, if left to the 'invisible hand', will produce prosperity and liberty. Yet if Smith is actually read these associations are more a caricature than a faithful portrait. 0In this 'Very Short Introduction', Christopher Berry offers a balanced and nuanced view of this seminal thinker, embedding his fierce defence of free trade, competition, and assault on special interests in contemporary European history, politics, and philosophy. As Berry explores, Smith was far more than an economist. His book 'The Theory of Moral Sentiment', offered a complex account of ethics in the context of human social behaviour. His scope as a professor at the University of Glasgow, a major centre of the Scottish Enlightenment, was extensive. Beyond courses in philosophy and jurisprudence he also gave classes covering history, literature, and language. In addition to his two major works he also wrote a pioneering study of the history of astronomy as an illustration of the motivations that drive humans to seek answers to questions.

Contents:

2 Communication and imagination p. 15

3 Sympathetic spectators p. 29

4 Living virtuously p. 46

5 Making and working p. 61

6 Trading and spending p. 80

7 Legacy and reputation p. 100.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references (pages 113-123) and index.

ISBN:

0198784457

9780198784456

OCLC:

1022085109