A Violent Attack Against Self-Interest: Harmonies and Tensions in Adam Smith’s Wealth of Nations

Maria Pia Paganelli ()
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Maria Pia Paganelli: Trinity University, Department of Economics

A chapter in Adam Smith’s Wealth of Nations After 250 Years, 2026, pp 129-141 from Springer

Abstract: Abstract In a recent work, Bart Wilson shows that Adam Smith distinguishes between own interest and self-interest, where own interest implies taking into consideration the presence and wellbeing of others, while self-interest implies disregarding others and putting one’s interest on top of others or at the expense of others. Building on this difference, I show that in the Wealth of Nations, Smith describes the harmonious works of the market only when individuals pursue their own interests. When individuals follow their self-interests instead conflicts arise, and society is worse off not better off.

Date: 2026
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DOI: 10.1007/978-3-032-32299-9_7

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