The Essays of Adam Smith

Name: The Essays of Adam Smith
Author: Adam Smith

By Adam Smith

Open in WeRead

Explore more books like this:

Essays, Letters & Speeches Philosophy & Ethics

About This Book

A collection of philosophical and literary essays examines human moral psychology and cultural practices. It opens with an account of sympathy as the foundation of moral approbation, exploring conscience, virtue, justice, and the obligations of truth. Other pieces trace the origins and development of language, survey ancient astronomical and physical thought, and consider logic, metaphysics, and rhetoric. Several essays address aesthetics and the imitative arts, including music, dancing, and poetry, while an essay on the external senses discusses perception. The volume mixes theoretical analysis, historical survey, and stylistic reflection to probe how ideas, institutions, and artistic expression shape human understanding.

About the Author

Adam Smith

Adam Smith (1723-1790) was a Scottish economist, philosopher, and author, widely recognized as the father of modern economics. His seminal work, "An Inquiry Into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations," published in 1776, laid the foundations for classical economics and introduced key concepts such as the division of labor and the invisible hand. Smith's writings also encompass moral philosophy, notably in "The Theory of Moral Sentiments," where he explores the nature of human morality and social behavior. His contributions to economic thought and ethical considerations have had a lasting impact on both disciplines, making him a pivotal figure in the history of Western thought.