Adam Smith and the Virtues of Enlightenment (Modern European Philosophy)

Although Adam Smith is often thought of today as an economist, he was in fact (as his great contemporaries Hume, Burke, Kant, and Hegel recognized) an original and insightful thinker whose work covers an immense territory including moral philosophy, political economy, rhetorical theory, aesthetics, and jurisprudence. Charles Griswold has written the first comprehensive philosophical study of Smith's moral and political thought. Griswold sets Smith's work in the context of the continuing debate about the nature and survival of the Enlightenment, and relates it to current discussions in moral and political philosophy. Smith's appropriation as well as criticism of ancient philosophy, and his carefully balanced defense of a liberal and humane moral and political outlook, are also explored. This is a major reassessment of a key figure in modernity that will be of particular interest to philosophers and political and legal theorists, as well as historians of ideas, rhetoric, and political economy. Charles Griswold Has Written The First Comprehensive Philosophical Study Of Smith's Moral And Political Thought. Griswold Sets Smith's Work In The Context Of The Continuing Debate About The Nature And Survival Of The Enlightenment, And Also Relates It To Current Discussions In Moral Philosophy. This Is A Major Historical And Philosophical Reassessment Of A Key Figure In The Enlightenment That Will Be Of Particular Interest To Philosophers And Political And Legal Theorists, As Well As Historians Of Ideas, Economics, And Political Economy.--jacket. Introduction -- Rhetoric, Method, And System In The Theory Of Moral Sentiments -- Sympathy And Selfishness, Imagination And Self -- The Passions, Pleasure, Love Of Virtue, And The Impartial Spectator -- Philosophy And Skepticism -- The Theory Of Virtue -- Justice -- The Moral Sentiments And The Wealth Of Nations -- Philosophy, Imagination, And The Fragility Of Beauty: On Reconciliation With Nature -- Epilogue -- Bibliography. Charles L. Griswold, Jr. Includes Bibliographical References (p. 377-399) And Index. Charles Griswold has written a comprehensive philosophical study of Smith's moral and political thought. Griswold sets Smith's work in the context of the Enlightenment and relates it to current discussions in moral and political philosophy. Smith's appropriation as well as criticism of ancient philosophy, and his carefully balanced defence of a liberal and humane moral and political outlook, are also explored. This 1999 book is a major philosophical and historical reassessment of a key figure in the Enlightenment that will be of particular interest to philosophers and political and legal theorists, as well as historians of ideas, rhetoric, and political economy A Comprehensive Philosophical Discussion Of Smith's Moral And Political Philosophy, First Published In 1999.