Max Skjönsberg for AdamSmithWorksWhile Adam Ferguson was broadly sympathetic with Adam Smith's ideas regarding political economy (with notable exceptions), in contrast, Ferguson was rather harsh on Smith (and David Hume's) moral philosophy.  Thinking about the sympathetic as well as hostile reception of Smith's ideas can help us make better sense of a range of thinkers and the variety of beliefs in the Scottish Enlightenment period.   June 8, 2022

July 13, 2022with Alice Temnick

Daniel B. Klein for AdamSmithWorks Whatever the reasons for its neglect, the jural theory of Grotius and others clarified and still clarifies the liberty that is at the center of what Smith called “the liberal plan.”Wednesday May 25, 2022

Daniel B. Klein for AdamSmithWorksWednesday May 25, 2022

Edward J. Harpham for AdamSmithWorksMay 11, 2022Nothing disturbs us more than to observe a lack of sympathy. The pleasures of mutual sympathy thus bring individuals together.

June, 2022with Renee Wilmeth

Daniel B. Klein and Erik W. Matson for AdamSmithWorksApril 27, 2022

Timothy Sandefur for AdamSmithWorksApril 13, 2022

Max Skjönsberg for AdamSmithWorksMarch 30, 2022

Dan Klein and Erik Elder for AdamSmithWorksThe 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”?