Adam Smith, the Economist Philosopher

Adam Smith (1723-1790) was a leading figure of the Scottish Enlightenment and a moral philosopher deeply concerned with political economy, sympathy, justice, and the ethical foundations of commercial society. In Adam Smith, the Economist Philosopher, Leonidas Montes, Director of Chile's Centro de Estudios Públicos and Professor at Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez, explores the life, work, and ideas of Adam Smith within the context of the Scottish Enlightenment. These pages offer reflections on the friendship between Hume and Smith, their relationships with the leading authors of the eighteenth century, and the importance of commerce in shaping the modern world. The author of The Wealth of Nations and The Theory of Moral Sentiments emerges as the philosopher and economist who laid the foundations of a more humane and humble liberalism.

Liberty Fund publishes this English edition in commemoration of the 250th anniversary of The Wealth of Nations, recognizing the enduring and timeless relevance of Smith's thought. This volume uniquely combines scholarly rigor with genuine accessibility while offering a richly integrated account of his life, intellectual development, and lasting contribution to a free and open society.