Abstract
This essay will postulate that Adam Smith's view of society was formulated out of historical influences far broader than generally conceded by many commentators in economic thought. Smith's basic behavioral concepts of sympathy and self-interest are significant contributions to economic thought as are his philosophy of human nature being based on liberty and freedom and not simply the creation of wealth. The vectors of influence that converged on Adam Smith were of varied and even contradictory natures. Yet the result of this collision of philosophical forces was clearly an event of significance in the history of philosophical and economic thought.
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Edward W. Coker is presently an Assistant Professor of Business Administration at USM-Gulf Coast, teaching primarily in the area of economics and finance. Dr. Coker has appeared on the programs of the American Economic Association, the Southern Economic Association and the Financial Management Association, both as presenter and discussant of papers. His interest in business ethics is reflected in his doctoral dissertation on the writings of Adam Smith. He is also a member of the Association for Social Economics and has participated on several panels sponsored by that organization.
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Coker, E.W. Adam Smith's concept of the social system. J Bus Ethics 9, 139–142 (1990). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00382664
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00382664