The moral foundations of The Wealth of Nations

Abstract

Discusses some of the differences between Adam Smith’s The Wealth of Nations and his earlier work The Theory of Moral Sentiments. Gives an account of what Smith primarily intended by these works, i.e. to resolve the values conflict ‐ that of natural liberty versus traditional, conservative virtues. Identifies the ideas and cultures which influenced Smith in his writing; defines the thematic structure of The Wealth of Nations and describes and evaluates the arguments behind Smith’s resolution of the values conflict as detailed in his work.

Citation

Fitzgibbons, A. (1997), "The moral foundations of The Wealth of Nations", International Journal of Social Economics, Vol. 24 No. 1/2/3, pp. 91-104. https://doi.org/10.1108/03068299710161142