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Adam Smith's Economics and the Lectures on Rhetoric and Belles Lettres. The Language of Commerce

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  • Benoît Walraevens

    (PHARE - Pôle d'Histoire de l'Analyse et des Représentations Économiques - UP1 - Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne)

Abstract

Among the abundant literature devoted to Adam Smith's complete works, there has been a relative lack of interest in the Lectures on Rhetoric and Belles Lettres, especially from historians of economic thought. I want to show that this youth's work is essential in understanding Smith's conception of economic exchange. The analogy between the exchange of sentiments, opinions and goods is developed so that man may be seen as a 'commercial' animal. Economic transactions are seen as means for men to get the pleasures of social life and self approbation. Instead of highlighting man's autonomy and selfishness, Smith underlines the ethical character of economic agents made of justice, prudence, and self command, and their willingness to be approved by their fellows and by the impartial spectator.

Suggested Citation

  • Benoît Walraevens, 2010. "Adam Smith's Economics and the Lectures on Rhetoric and Belles Lettres. The Language of Commerce," Post-Print halshs-00761780, HAL.
    • Handle: RePEc:hal:journl:halshs-00761780
    DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-99704-5_6
    Note: View the original document on HAL open archive server: https://shs.hal.science/halshs-00761780v1
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    4. Vivenza, Gloria, 2001. "Adam Smith and the Classics: The Classical Heritage in Adam Smith's Thought," OUP Catalogue, Oxford University Press, number 9780198296669, Decembrie.
    5. Maria Pia Paganelli, 2008. "The Adam Smith Problem in Reverse: Self-Interest in The Wealth of Nations and The Theory of Moral Sentiments," History of Political Economy, Duke University Press, vol. 40(2), pages 365-382, Summer.
    6. Jeffrey T. Young, 1986. "The Impartial Spectator and Natural Jurisprudence: An Interpretation of Adam Smith's Theory of the Natural Price," History of Political Economy, Duke University Press, vol. 18(3), pages 365-382, Fall.
    7. Force,Pierre, 2003. "Self-Interest before Adam Smith," Cambridge Books, Cambridge University Press, number 9780521830607, June.
    8. Spencer J. Pack, 1991. "Capitalism as a Moral System," Books, Edward Elgar Publishing, number 346, March.
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    2. Marie Daou & Alain Marciano, 2022. "Commodification: The traditional pro-market arguments," Post-Print hal-03876907, HAL.

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