Adam Smith

Definition

Adam Smith was an 18th century Scottish economist and philosopher who is considered the father of modern economics. He is best known for his influential work, 'An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations', which laid the foundations for neoclassical economic analysis.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Adam Smith's 'An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations' is considered the first comprehensive treatise on political economy.
2. Smith's concept of the 'invisible hand' suggests that individuals pursuing their own self-interest in a free market will ultimately promote the greater social good.
3. Smith's theory of the division of labor emphasizes how the specialization of tasks can lead to increased productivity and efficiency.
4. Smith's advocacy of laissez-faire economics, which calls for minimal government intervention, was a significant departure from the prevailing mercantilist policies of his time.
5. Adam Smith's ideas laid the foundation for the development of neoclassical economic analysis, which remains a dominant paradigm in modern economics.

Review Questions

• Explain how Adam Smith's concept of the 'invisible hand' relates to the building blocks of neoclassical analysis.
  • Adam Smith's concept of the 'invisible hand' is a central tenet of neoclassical economic analysis. It suggests that in a free market, where individuals pursue their own self-interest, the interaction of supply and demand will naturally allocate resources efficiently without the need for central coordination or government intervention. This aligns with the neoclassical assumption of perfect competition and the belief that markets will naturally tend towards equilibrium, leading to optimal outcomes for society as a whole.
• Describe how Adam Smith's theory of the division of labor contributes to the building blocks of neoclassical analysis.
  • Adam Smith's theory of the division of labor, where specialized tasks and roles within a production process lead to increased productivity and efficiency, is a key component of the neoclassical framework. This concept aligns with the neoclassical emphasis on the efficient allocation of resources and the pursuit of profit maximization by firms. The division of labor allows for greater specialization and the exploitation of comparative advantages, which are essential elements in the neoclassical model of perfect competition and the efficient functioning of markets.
• Evaluate the impact of Adam Smith's advocacy of laissez-faire economics on the development of neoclassical analysis.
  • Adam Smith's advocacy of laissez-faire economics, which calls for minimal government intervention in the market, had a significant impact on the development of neoclassical analysis. The neoclassical framework is built on the assumption of perfectly competitive markets, where the free interaction of supply and demand leads to optimal outcomes. Smith's rejection of mercantilist policies and his belief in the self-regulating nature of the free market laid the groundwork for the neoclassical emphasis on the efficiency of markets and the role of private enterprise. This perspective has remained a dominant influence in neoclassical economic thought, shaping the core principles and assumptions underlying this analytical approach.

Related terms

Invisible Hand: The concept introduced by Adam Smith that describes how the free market, through individual self-interest and competition, can allocate resources efficiently without central coordination.

Division of Labor: The concept developed by Adam Smith where the specialization of tasks and roles within a production process leads to increased productivity and efficiency.

Laissez-Faire: The economic policy advocated by Adam Smith that calls for minimal government intervention and regulation, allowing the free market to operate without restrictions.