Was Adam Smith an evolutionary economist?: Smith’s study of botany and Charles Darwin’s theory of morality

Tetsuo Taka ()
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Tetsuo Taka: Kyushu University

Evolutionary and Institutional Economics Review, 2021, vol. 18, issue 2, No 12, 513-525

Abstract: Abstract This paper aims to extend and provide a new understanding of Adam Smith’s thoughts by focusing on some revisions in the 4th edition of The Theory of Moral Sentiments (Smith 1774), “the nutritional value theory of corn” in the Wealth of Nations, and then comparing Smith’s discourses on the formation of morality with C. Darwin’s. Smith’s understanding of human nature extended and deepened with the study of botany and other sciences at Kirkcaldy after spending 2 years in France as Duke Buccleugh’s tutor. He began to understand human nature not only as a composite of self-love and benevolence, but also of instinctual and experiential knowledge. Thus, Smith’s system transitioned to an evolutionary one, and he became an unconscious forerunner of the Darwinian theory of morality formation.

Keywords: Sympathy; Morality; Evolution; Adam Smith; Charles Darwin (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: B12 B15 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
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DOI: 10.1007/s40844-021-00213-5

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