Exploring the moral and political philosophy of Adam Smith, this book delves into his insights on morality within the context of capitalism. It seeks to recover Smith's nuanced understanding of ethical considerations in a market-driven society, highlighting how his ideas remain relevant in contemporary discussions about capitalism and morality. Through this examination, the work aims to bridge the gap between economic theory and ethical practice, offering a fresh perspective on Smith's legacy.
A number of prominent moral philosophers and political theorists have recently called for a recovery of love. But what do we mean when we speak of love today? Love's Enlightenment examines four key conceptions of other-directedness that transformed the meaning of love and helped to shape the way we understand love today: Hume's theory of humanity, Rousseau's theory of pity, Smith's theory of sympathy, and Kant's theory of love. It argues that these four Enlightenment theories are united by a shared effort to develop a moral psychology that can provide both justificatory and motivational grounds for concern for others in the absence of recourse to theological or transcendental categories. In this sense, each theory represents an effort to redefine the love of others that used to be known as caritas or agape - a redefinition that came with benefits and costs that have yet to be fully appreciated.
Adam Smith (1723-90) is celebrated as a pioneer of the free market and the founding father of capitalism. His insights into globalization's promise and pitfalls, along with his commitment to human dignity, remain relevant today. Ryan Hanley assembles esteemed scholars from various fields to provide fresh perspectives on Smith's life, thought, and lasting legacy. Contributors offer clear discussions of Smith's key works and the historical backdrop of his ideas, as well as the core concepts of his social vision and their impact in academia and beyond. They explore lesser-known aspects of Smith, highlighting his interests in rhetoric, ethics, and jurisprudence. Smith is portrayed not only as a proponent of free markets but also as a thinker devoted to virtue, justice, equality, and freedom. This essential introduction to Smith's life and work features contributions from prominent figures like Nicholas Phillipson, Amartya Sen, and John C. Bogle. The book illustrates how Smith's insights address modern issues such as development in the global south and the future of free trade, showcasing his influence across literature, philosophy, religion, and law.
