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.
General
Imprint: |
Princeton University Press
|
Country of origin: |
United States |
Release date: |
September 2005 |
First published: |
September 2005 |
Authors: |
Samuel Fleischacker
|
Dimensions: |
235 x 152 x 23mm (L x W x T) |
Format: |
Paperback - Trade
|
Pages: |
352 |
Edition: |
Revised |
ISBN-13: |
978-0-691-12390-5 |
Categories: |
Books >
Business & Economics >
Economics >
Economic theory & philosophy
|
LSN: |
0-691-12390-X |
Barcode: |
9780691123905 |
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