On Adam Smith's Wealth of Nations

A Philosophical Companion

Nonfiction, Religion & Spirituality, Philosophy, Political, Social & Cultural Studies, Political Science, Politics, History & Theory
Cover of the book On Adam Smith's Wealth of Nations by Samuel Fleischacker, Princeton University Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Samuel Fleischacker ISBN: 9781400826056
Publisher: Princeton University Press Publication: January 10, 2009
Imprint: Princeton University Press Language: English
Author: Samuel Fleischacker
ISBN: 9781400826056
Publisher: Princeton University Press
Publication: January 10, 2009
Imprint: Princeton University Press
Language: English

Adam Smith was a philosopher before he ever wrote about economics, yet until now there has never been a philosophical commentary on the Wealth of Nations. Samuel Fleischacker suggests that Smith's vastly influential treatise on economics can be better understood if placed in the light of his epistemology, philosophy of science, and moral theory. He lays out the relevance of these aspects of Smith's thought to specific themes in the Wealth of Nations, arguing, among other things, that Smith regards social science as an extension of common sense rather than as a discipline to be approached mathematically, that he has moral as well as pragmatic reasons for approving of capitalism, and that he has an unusually strong belief in human equality that leads him to anticipate, if not quite endorse, the modern doctrine of distributive justice.

Fleischacker also places Smith's views in relation to the work of his contemporaries, especially his teacher Francis Hutcheson and friend David Hume, and draws out consequences of Smith's thought for present-day political and philosophical debates. The Companion is divided into five general sections, which can be read independently of one another. It contains an index that points to commentary on specific passages in Wealth of Nations. Written in an approachable style befitting Smith's own clear yet finely honed rhetoric, it is intended for professional philosophers and political economists as well as those coming to Smith for the first time.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Adam Smith was a philosopher before he ever wrote about economics, yet until now there has never been a philosophical commentary on the Wealth of Nations. Samuel Fleischacker suggests that Smith's vastly influential treatise on economics can be better understood if placed in the light of his epistemology, philosophy of science, and moral theory. He lays out the relevance of these aspects of Smith's thought to specific themes in the Wealth of Nations, arguing, among other things, that Smith regards social science as an extension of common sense rather than as a discipline to be approached mathematically, that he has moral as well as pragmatic reasons for approving of capitalism, and that he has an unusually strong belief in human equality that leads him to anticipate, if not quite endorse, the modern doctrine of distributive justice.

Fleischacker also places Smith's views in relation to the work of his contemporaries, especially his teacher Francis Hutcheson and friend David Hume, and draws out consequences of Smith's thought for present-day political and philosophical debates. The Companion is divided into five general sections, which can be read independently of one another. It contains an index that points to commentary on specific passages in Wealth of Nations. Written in an approachable style befitting Smith's own clear yet finely honed rhetoric, it is intended for professional philosophers and political economists as well as those coming to Smith for the first time.

More books from Princeton University Press

Cover of the book Kierkegaard's Muse by Samuel Fleischacker
Cover of the book On Global Justice by Samuel Fleischacker
Cover of the book Group Problem Solving by Samuel Fleischacker
Cover of the book Embedded Autonomy by Samuel Fleischacker
Cover of the book The Ethical Engineer by Samuel Fleischacker
Cover of the book On Gaia by Samuel Fleischacker
Cover of the book The Hebrew Bible by Samuel Fleischacker
Cover of the book Demanding Democracy by Samuel Fleischacker
Cover of the book Note Book by Samuel Fleischacker
Cover of the book A Corporate Solution to Global Poverty by Samuel Fleischacker
Cover of the book Is Democracy Possible Here? by Samuel Fleischacker
Cover of the book Faces of Muhammad by Samuel Fleischacker
Cover of the book Rimsky-Korsakov and His World by Samuel Fleischacker
Cover of the book The Propriety of Liberty by Samuel Fleischacker
Cover of the book Weak Courts, Strong Rights by Samuel Fleischacker
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy