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Was Adam Smith an evolutionary economist?: Smith’s study of botany and Charles Darwin’s theory of morality

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  • Tetsuo Taka

    (Kyushu University)

Abstract

This paper aims to extend and provide a new understanding of Adam Smith’s thoughts by focusing on some revisions in the 4th edition of The Theory of Moral Sentiments (Smith 1774), “the nutritional value theory of corn” in the Wealth of Nations, and then comparing Smith’s discourses on the formation of morality with C. Darwin’s. Smith’s understanding of human nature extended and deepened with the study of botany and other sciences at Kirkcaldy after spending 2 years in France as Duke Buccleugh’s tutor. He began to understand human nature not only as a composite of self-love and benevolence, but also of instinctual and experiential knowledge. Thus, Smith’s system transitioned to an evolutionary one, and he became an unconscious forerunner of the Darwinian theory of morality formation.

Suggested Citation

  • Tetsuo Taka, 2021. "Was Adam Smith an evolutionary economist?: Smith’s study of botany and Charles Darwin’s theory of morality," Evolutionary and Institutional Economics Review, Springer, vol. 18(2), pages 513-525, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:eaiere:v:18:y:2021:i:2:d:10.1007_s40844-021-00213-5
    DOI: 10.1007/s40844-021-00213-5
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ross, Ian Simpson, 2010. "The Life of Adam Smith," OUP Catalogue, Oxford University Press, edition 2, number 9780199550036.
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Sympathy; Morality; Evolution; Adam Smith; Charles Darwin;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • B12 - Schools of Economic Thought and Methodology - - History of Economic Thought through 1925 - - - Classical (includes Adam Smith)
    • B15 - Schools of Economic Thought and Methodology - - History of Economic Thought through 1925 - - - Historical; Institutional; Evolutionary

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