Speaker
Description
While both classical liberals and libertarians claim Adam Smith as their intellectual forefather, this paper argues that Smith's thought represents a distinctive form of liberalism that differs fundamentally from later traditions. Unlike utilitarian, social contract, or Millian approaches, Smith's liberalism is grounded in a realistic assessment of human nature and social possibilities rather than abstract ideals or rights claims. His political economy aims not to maximize individual freedom or articulate basic rights but to remove concrete impediments to human flourishing and general prosperity. I argue that Smith’s realist approach offers a more compelling foundation for liberal thought than competing frameworks. Where utilitarians seek to maximize aggregate welfare and rights theorists emphasize inviolable individual liberties, Smith provides a nuanced account of how institutions can promote human flourishing without utopian assumptions. This focus on alleviating practical barriers to prosperity rather than achieving abstract ideals offers valuable insights into contemporary political theory and institutional design.
| Organization | Chapman University |
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