Just Sentiments

george mason university

What’s Natural about Adam Smith’s Natural Liberty?

March 23, 2022


The first essay in our
NEW series takes a close look at Adam Smith's language and the implications of those choices for understanding him and the world he is describing.

"Smith often said simply “liberty” but sometimes “natural liberty.” Why did Smith sometimes say “natural liberty”? Maybe he wanted to highlight its “naturalness.” That prompts the question: What is “natural” about Smith’s “natural liberty”?"