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The Rhetorical Structure of Adam Smith’s Wealth of Nations (and What Caused It)

In: Adam Smith’s System

Author

Listed:
  • Andreas Ortmann

    (University of New South Wales)

  • Benoît Walraevens

    (University of Caen Normandy)

Abstract

We first review Smith’s understanding and use of rhetoric. We stress that Smith was very much aware of the strategic nature of the interaction between speaker or writer and listener(s) or reader(s) and that in situations of divergent interests, different strategies might have to be applied, compared to situations where the only purpose was to impart/instill knowledge. We argue that the strategic nature of interaction motivated the very specific sequencing of books in Smith’s second major published work, An Inquiry into The Nature and Causes of The Wealth of Nations. Analyzing furthermore the political context of its publication, we make the case for the central importance of its Book V, “Of the Revenue of the Sovereign or Commonwealth,” which tends to be neglected in most accounts of Smith’s oeuvre.

Suggested Citation

  • Andreas Ortmann & Benoît Walraevens, 2022. "The Rhetorical Structure of Adam Smith’s Wealth of Nations (and What Caused It)," Palgrave Studies in the History of Economic Thought, in: Adam Smith’s System, chapter 2, pages 31-65, Palgrave Macmillan.
    • Handle: RePEc:pal:pshchp:978-3-030-99704-5_2
    DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-99704-5_2
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