Edited by James Hutton and Joseph Black, showcases the philosophical and ethical musings of the renowned Adam Smith. This classic work invites readers to explore timeless reflections on philosophy and ethics.

This volume is published in conjunction with a new edition of all the works of Adam Smith, commissioned by the University of Glasgow to celebrate the bicentenary of The Wealth of Nations. As a part of the celebrations, it was also felt appropriate to publish a series of essays by contemporary students of Smith which would cover the main areas of his work, as distinct from simply concentrating on the economics. To this end, the first part is mainly concerned with the broadly philosophical and political aspects of Smith's contribution, the second, with the subject matter (by no means entirely economic) of The Wealth of Nations itself.

In order to understand the impact of Smith's text across the academic disciplines, this volume brings together leading scholars from fields of economics, politics, history, sociology and literature. Each essay offers a different reading of Wealth of Nations and its legacy.

The essential guide to the life, thought, and legacy of Adam Smith Adam Smith (1723–90) is perhaps best known as one of the first champions of the free market and is widely regarded as the founding father of capitalism. From his ideas about the promise and pitfalls of globalization to his steadfast belief in the preservation of human dignity, his work is as relevant today as it was in the eighteenth century. Here, Ryan Hanley brings together some of the world's finest scholars from across a variety of disciplines to offer new perspectives on Smith's life, thought, and enduring legacy. Contributors provide succinct and accessible discussions of Smith's landmark works and the historical context in which he wrote them, the core concepts of Smith's social vision, and the lasting impact of Smith's ideas in both academia and the broader world. They reveal other sides of Smith beyond the familiar portrayal of him as the author of the invisible hand, emphasizing his deep interests in such fields as rhetoric, ethics, and jurisprudence. Smith emerges not just as a champion of free markets but also as a thinker whose unique perspective encompasses broader commitments to virtue, justice, equality, and freedom. An essential introduction to Adam Smith's life and work, this incisive and thought-provoking book features contributions from leading figures such as Nicholas Phillipson, Amartya Sen, and John C. Bogle. It demonstrates how Smith's timeless insights speak to contemporary concerns such as growth in the developing world and the future of free trade, and how his influence extends to fields ranging from literature and philosophy to religion and law.

A fresh look at Adam Smith - and why he matters - from some of the leading scholars in the field.