Evansville Vanderburgh Public Library

Adam Smith, father of economics, Jesse Norman

eng

Includes bibliographical references (pages 341-391) and index

individual biography

platesillustrationsmaps

index present

non fiction

Adam Smith

bibliography

1035325086

Jesse Norman

father of economics

Adam Smith (1723-1790) is now widely regarded as the greatest economist of all time. But what he really thought, and the implications of his ideas, remain fiercely contested. Was he an eloquent advocate of capitalism and individual freedom? A prime mover of "market fundamentalism"? An apologist for human selfishness? Or something else entirely? In Adam Smith, political philosopher Jesse Norman dispels the myths and caricatures, and provides a far more complex portrait of the man. Offering a highly engaging account of Smith's life and times, Norman explores his work as a whole and traces his influence over two centuries to the present day. Finally, he shows how a proper understanding of Smith can help us address the problems of modern capitalism. The Smith who emerges from this book is not only the greatest of all economists but a pioneering theorist of moral philosophy, culture, and society

Part one: Life -- Kirkcaldy boy, 1723-1746 -- "The most useful, happiest and most honourable period of my life", 1746-1759 -- Enlightened interlude, 1760-1773 -- "You are surely to reign alone on these subjects", 1773-1776 -- Working to the end, 1776-1790 -- Part two: Thought -- Reputation, fact and myth -- Smith's economics -- Adam Smith and markets -- Part three: Impact -- Capitalism and its discontents -- The moral basis of commercial society -- Conclusion: Why it matters