Description
Book SynopsisAdam Smith was an advocate of the free market; however his first and widely-acclaimed work, The Theory of Moral Sentiments, was on ethics. While commentators tend to review this work in isolation from his writing on political economy, Richard Morgan argues that although The Wealth of Nations is concerned with political economy, Smith's pointed attacks on exploitation and greed reflect the ethics outlined in his first work and illuminate the constructive role he proposed for government, which includes ensuring the provision of education and protection of society by regulating the banking system, even while stressing that government regulations be kept to a minimum. Morgan's analysis is extremely relevant to understanding the global financial crisis and the relevance of morality in the free market; it should guide us in setting appropriate policies for the future.
Trade ReviewIn this important and elegant work Richard Morgan explains the continuing relevance of Adam Smith and why it was governments, not Smith, that caused the global financial crisis. -- John Roskam, Director of the Institute of Public Affairs Australia
In light of the 2008 financial crisis, this book reminds us of how relevant Smith's thought remains as a pathway to the future that avoids the errors of the recent past. -- Samuel Gregg, director of research, Acton Institute for the Study of Religion and Liberty
