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The argumentative structure of the Wealth of Nations
[La estructura argumentativa de la Riqueza de las Naciones]

Author

Listed:
  • Sergio Cremaschi

    (Università Amedeo Avogadro, Vercelli - Universidad de Málaga.)

Abstract
The paper sheds fresh light on what Adam Smith was doing in writing the Wealth of Nations by looking at its place in his unaccomplished oeuvre. The Wealth of Nations is just a partial implementation of a part of his project: the history and theory of law and government. In this work, the ‘Socratic method†of persuasion and the “Newtonian method†of didactical discourse coexist with moral discourse. Such coexistence allows a smooth transition from (i) an argument aimed at persuading the public opinion of the advantage carried by non-aggressive commercial policies, high wages and provision of public goods by the public authority to (ii) a simplified reconstruction of economic mechanisms and tendencies through either conjectural history or ‘systems†, and (iii) an argument showing how all the oppressive inequality existent in modern societies is, besides deplorable on whatever moral standard, contrary to everybody’s interest.

Suggested Citation

  • Sergio Cremaschi, 2022. "The argumentative structure of the Wealth of Nations [La estructura argumentativa de la Riqueza de las Naciones]," Iberian Journal of the History of Economic Thought, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Facultad de Ciencias Económicas y Empresariales, Dpto. Historia e Instituciones Económicas I., vol. 9(2), pages 95-109.
    • Handle: RePEc:ucm:ijohet:v:9:y:2022:i:2:p:95-109
    DOI: 10.5209/ijhe.83973
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    Keywords

    Adam Smith; Political economy; Rhetoric; Method.;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • A12 - General Economics and Teaching - - General Economics - - - Relation of Economics to Other Disciplines
    • B12 - Schools of Economic Thought and Methodology - - History of Economic Thought through 1925 - - - Classical (includes Adam Smith)
    • B31 - Schools of Economic Thought and Methodology - - History of Economic Thought: Individuals - - - Individuals

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