ADAM SMITH'S OPTIMISTIC TELEOLOGICAL VIEW OF HISTORY

James Alvey

No 23708, Discussion Papers from Massey University, Department of Applied and International Economics

Abstract: Adam Smith's four-stage theory provides the framework for his writings on history. The fourth stage is the commercial epoch; the culmination of history in this stage is a key component in the conventional interpretation of Adam Smith as a prophet of commercialism. In two historical case studies Smith shows the capacity of commercial society to regenerate itself. This potent capacity suggests that commercial society is inevitable. At a certain point in time it also overcomes the major obstacles to its permanence. Smith's philosophy of history anticipates the end of history views of Kant and Hegel.

Keywords: Political; Economy (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Pages: 22
Date: 2003
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:ags:masddp:23708

DOI: 10.22004/ag.econ.23708

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