Three Economists
...Kames. His lecture topics included rhetoric and belles letters and later the subject of “the progress of opulence.” Smith first expounded his economic philosophy of “the obvious and simple system of natural liberty.” Smith was not good with public speaking but his lectures met with success. In 1750, Smith met the philosopher David Hume, the two of their opinions can be found within their writings covering history, politics, philosophy, economics, and religion indicate that they shared a closer intellectual alliance and friendship than with the others who were to play important roles during the emergence of what has come to be know as the Scottish Enlightenment.
Smith earned a professorship at Glasgow University teaching logic courses in 1751. Smith took over the position of Chair of Moral Philosophy when the former Chairman died that year. Smith continued his career for thirteen more years and he said it was the happiest and most honorable time of his life. Smith’s lectures covered the fields of ethics, rhetoric, jurisprudence, political economy, and “police and revenue.” Smith published The Theory of Moral Sentiments in 1759, embodying some of his Glasgow lectures. His theory concerned with how human communications depends on sympathy between agent and spectator, or the individual and other members of society. Smith based his explanation not on a special moral sense but on sympathy. Smith became more popular due to The Theory of Moral Sentiments, and as a result, many wealthy students left their schools in other countries to enroll at Glasgow to learn under Smith. Smith received the title of Doctor of Laws from the academic senate of the University of Glasgow in 1762. At the end of 1763, Smith was offered by Charles Townshed to tutor his stepson, Smith resigned from his teaching position and took the tutoring job.
Smith’s personal views are...
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