ADAM SMITH’S ENLIGHTENED WORLD

The Smith Questionnaire

The Smith Questionnaire Watch as we subject some of our favorite scholars to some silly questions about Smith.

Adam Smith on the Rich and the Poor

Christopher Martin for AdamSmithWorks Martin looks closely at when and how Adam Smith advocates for the interests and welfare of the least well off. Did Adam Smith always side with the poor and weak against the rich and powerful? Christopher Martin gives the resounding answer: Yes, mostly. It’s a little complicated. February 22, 2023

Adam Smith as Behavioral Economist?

Alejandra Salinas for AdamSmithWorks March 1, 2023

The French Enlightenment: An Introduction

Ryan Patrick Hanley for AdamSmithWorks March 15, 2023

Baron de Montesquieu and Adam Smith: Equivalents or Complements?

Henry C. Clark for AdamSmithWorks March 15, 2023

Prompt: How we react to wealth and poverty

Use this quotation from Adam Smith's The Theory of Moral Sentiments to explore how people react to wealth and poverty with your students.

Virtual Reading Groups

AdamSmithWorks is pleased to offer Virtual Reading Groups designed to gather individuals interested in serious and civil discussion. Our VRGs focus on a particular Smithian topic and a common set of readings will form the basis for our discussions. Each group is facilitated by a professional moderator and is conducted online. Participants also have a private online community in which to engage with one another throughout. Participation is offered at no-cost, and there is no need to be an expert on the topic for discussion! The only requirement is that participants be eager to read and engage in conversation. Participants who successfully complete all sessions will receive an e-gift certificate from Amazon.com!

Activity: How Does Trade Prevent Famine?

Use this quotation from Adam Smith's An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations to explore the effects of trade restrictions.

The Theory of Moral Sentiments

The Theory of Moral Sentiments, Smith’s first and in his own mind most important work, outlines his view of proper conduct and the institutions and sentiments that make men virtuous. He develops his doctrine of the impartial spectator, whose hypothetical disinterested judgment we use to distinguish right from wrong in any given situation.

How to Join the Portal

The ASW Scholars’ Portal is an online work-and-gathering space for Smith scholars. Its features include:

• ability to upload working papers for comment, and to comment on others' papers
• online open-discussion forum
• ability to create and contribute to collaborative documents such as reading lists, annotated bibliographies, and a "Smithopaedia"