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Invisible Hand in the Age of Algorithms: Revisiting Smith’s Wealth of Nations

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  • Mangave, Darshan

Abstract

This paper observes at Adam Smith’s idea of the “invisible hand” and ask how it works in today’s world of algorithms and digital platforms. In the Wealth of Nations, Smith explained that when people act in their self-interest then markets balance themselves and society benefits. But now, in this century many economic choices are not made only by people. They are guided by algorithms. For examples, this can be seen in Amazon’s product rankings, Uber’s surge pricing, Google’s search results, Netflix’s recommendations, and AI trading in stock markets. These algorithmic systems connect buyers and sellers quickly, but they also create new problems like reduced competition, unfair pricing, manipulation of consumer choices, and market instability. The paper argues that the invisible hand has not disappeared, but it now takes the form of an “algorithmic hand.” For this hand to truly serve society, there must be careful attention to ethics and policy.

Suggested Citation

  • Mangave, Darshan, 2025. "Invisible Hand in the Age of Algorithms: Revisiting Smith’s Wealth of Nations," MPRA Paper 126154, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    • Handle: RePEc:pra:mprapa:126154
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    File URL: https://mpra.ub.uni-muenchen.de/126154/1/MPRA_paper_126154.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. David Autor & David Dorn & Lawrence F Katz & Christina Patterson & John Van Reenen, 2020. "The Fall of the Labor Share and the Rise of Superstar Firms [“Automation and New Tasks: How Technology Displaces and Reinstates Labor”]," The Quarterly Journal of Economics, President and Fellows of Harvard College, vol. 135(2), pages 645-709.
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    JEL classification:

    • B12 - Schools of Economic Thought and Methodology - - History of Economic Thought through 1925 - - - Classical (includes Adam Smith)
    • D47 - Microeconomics - - Market Structure, Pricing, and Design - - - Market Design
    • K23 - Law and Economics - - Regulation and Business Law - - - Regulated Industries and Administrative Law
    • L17 - Industrial Organization - - Market Structure, Firm Strategy, and Market Performance - - - Open Source Products and Markets
    • L86 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Services - - - Information and Internet Services; Computer Software
    • O33 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Technological Change: Choices and Consequences; Diffusion Processes

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