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Speaking of Smith Archives

Adam Smith and Stadial Theory

January 20, 2020


Not only was this Stadial Theory of civilization helpful for understanding history and the past, it also allowed Smith to make sense of Scotland’s political, economic, and social transformations in the 18th century.

The Imitative Arts: Some Fun with Adam Smith’s Artistic Opinions

January 13, 2020


In his essay on the arts, Smith says much that now looks wrong, but his questionable claims might be the most interesting things he has to say.

Why Adam Smith Belongs in The Good Place, Part 3

Heather King for AdamSmithWorks

December 23, 2019


“Holy Mother Forking Shirtballs” (Michael’s Gambit)

Why Adam Smith Belongs in The Good Place, Part 2

Heather King for AdamSmithWorks

December 16, 2019


“That trauma?  It can explain away a lot of behavior.”  Eleanor Shellstrop, “Mindy St. Claire”

Why Adam Smith Belongs in "The Good Place"

Heather King for AdamSmithWorks

December 9, 2019


In a show about what it means to become morally good, Adam Smith’s absence is conspicuous. I’d like to suggest that Schur put Smith on his reading list, both because Smith is part of the larger philosophical conversation in which the show is engaged, and because Smith provides an explanation for the characters’ dilemma, as well as a way out.  

Adam Smith and Slavery

Matthew Lowenstein for AdamSmithWorks

December 2, 2019


...is he right on the economics? That is, are there instances when slave labor could, at least conceptually, more effectively mobilize and accumulate capital than free labor? 

Isn’t It Odd? The Project on Smith, Hume, Liberalism and Esotericism

Dan Klein for AdamSmithWorks

November 22, 2019

Can We Become the Impartial Spectator?

Nir Ben-Moshe for AdamSmithWorks

November 11, 2019


To what extent did Smith believe we can become the impartial spectator?

Smith's Assembler


Rachel Lomasky for AdamSmithWorks

November 4, 2019