Adam Smith: What He Thought, and Why it Matters

Adam Smith is widely regarded as the father of modern economics, but his ideas are fiercely contested. This book offers a concise and engaging account of Smith's life and times, reviews his work as a whole, and traces his influence over the past two centuries. It dispels myths and debunks caricatures, exploring Smith's ideas in detail and their impact on thinkers such as Karl Marx, Charles Darwin, John Maynard Keynes, and Friedrich Hayek. It also offers a Smithian analysis of contemporary markets, predatory capitalism, and the 2008 financial crash, returning us to first principles and showing how the lost center of modern public debate can be recreated.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 416 pages
\n Publication date: 04 July 2019
\n Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd
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Adam Smith, widely regarded as the father of modern economics, has left an indelible mark on the field. However, the true essence of his thoughts and the profound implications of his ideas continue to be fiercely debated. Was he a passionate advocate of capitalism and individual freedom, or a driving force behind market fundamentalism and an apologist for inequality and human selfishness? Or perhaps, his legacy encompasses something entirely different?

In his captivating book, "Adam Smith: The Father of Modern Economics," Jesse Norman takes us on a journey to explore the multifaceted intellectual project of Smith. Set against the turbulent backdrop of Enlightenment Scotland, Norman offers a concise and engaging account of Smith's life and times, delving into his work as a whole and tracing the profound influence he has exerted over the past two centuries.

But this book is more than just a biography. It goes beyond the mere recounting of facts and figures. Norman dispels the myths and debunks the caricatures that have grown up around Smith, shedding light on his ideas in depth, from ethics to law to economics and government. Through his meticulous analysis, he reveals Smith as one of the founders of modern social psychology and behavioral theory.

Far from being a doctrinaire libertarian or neoliberal thinker, Smith emerges as a remarkably modern evolutionary theorist of political economy. He recognizes the often complementary roles of markets and the state, offering a nuanced perspective that challenges traditional dichotomies. In a time when economics and politics are increasingly polarized, this book serves as a valuable tool for reclaiming the lost center of modern discourse.

By offering a Smithian analysis of contemporary markets, predatory capitalism, and the 2008 financial crash, Norman invites us to revisit first principles and reimagine our understanding of economic systems. He challenges us to consider the unintended consequences of unchecked capitalism and the urgent need for regulations to protect both consumers and workers.

Through his insightful and thought-provoking narrative, Norman invites us to reevaluate the legacy of Adam Smith and his profound contribution to the field of economics. He reminds us that economics is not just about numbers and graphs but about the human experiences and interactions that shape our world.

In conclusion, "Adam Smith: The Father of Modern Economics" is a must-read for anyone interested in economics, history, and the broader social sciences. It offers a fresh perspective on Smith's ideas, challenging our assumptions and inspiring us to think critically about the economic systems that govern our lives. By reclaiming the wisdom of Smith and applying it to the challenges of our time, we can create a more equitable and prosperous future for all.

\n Weight: 314g\n
Dimension: 129 x 197 x 25 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9780141987118\n \n