ADAM SMITH’S ENLIGHTENED WORLD

Commerce, morality, equality, the rule of law, and the role of government… Welcome to the world of Adam Smith.

What can we learn about our own world from Smith? Join the workers in an 18th century pin factory to find out more…

Interactive Pin Factory

Join the discussion!

Speaking of Smith

Latest

Adam Smith's 'Coarse Clay' Political Realism

Ryan Griffiths for AdamSmithWorks "I'm going to argue against the ‘ad hoc, therefore no political theory’ position by looking at what I regard as significant restrictions on liberty in what I will call Article III of Book V of Wealth of Nations. I’ll have to show, first that he permits severe restrictions on liberty, but that they are grounded in his political theory." March 13, 2024

David Henderson on Robert Solow

David Henderson with Juliette Sellgren March 15, 2024

Adam Smith and the Red Carpet

Shal Marriott and Daniel Lukac for AdamSmithWorks Should a good Smithian abstain from watching the Oscars for fear we might encourage a corrupting disposition to admire the rich and powerful? Pass the popcorn says Marriott and Lukac.

Explore.

An Animal That Trades

A five-part short video series on the life and contemporary relevance of Adam Smith.

Learn.

Adam Smith As Solon: Accommodating, not Abandoning Liberty

Michael Clark and Luke Hollister for AdamSmithWorks A wise leader considers what the public can bear, not just what he thinks would otherwise be best. Clark and Hollister show Smith's Solonic side as Smith edits his works and responds to the world around him. "The socialist or fascist is more prone to this folly, but a liberal may also qualify as a man of system if he makes his doctrine his vanity." Wednesday, February 28, 2024

Cities as Centers of Innovation: Lessons from Edinburgh and Paris

Chelsea Follett for AdamSmithWorks February 7, 2024 Where and when does progress happen? Certain places at certain times are special and Follett show why with two examples close to the life of Adam Smith: Edinburgh, Scotland and Paris, France.

Teach.

Division of Labor Toolkit

Tackling the division of labor in your classroom? Let us help you start with Adam Smith.

Teaching through the Year: Seasonal Readings and Activities

magical-story-book-with-fairy-tale-four-seasons-summer-winter-spring-autumn-open-book.jpg 38.1 KB We're making it easy for you to find seasonally relevant ways to bring Adam Smith and his ideas into your classroom.

Activity: Commerce and care

A comic strip to spark discussion of Adam Smith's "the butcher, the brewer, and the baker", and of how our care for each other is affected by money.

Read.

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.

Scholars’ Portal

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"
To be considered for access to the portal, please contact us with your ideas and CV at awillis@libertyfund.org.