About this episode

The episode explores Adam Smith's contributions to economics and moral philosophy, challenging the perception of him as a strict capitalist.

Scottish philosopher Adam Smith (1723-1790) is often described as an arch capitalist, the "father of modern economics" - and at a glance it's easy to see why. His Inquiry Into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations provided the theoretical foundation for free market capitalism and the economic policies that prevailed throughout the Industrial Revolution. But to see Smith as an extreme free market ideologue is to get him badly wrong.

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Philosopher's Zone podcast page.