The chapter provides a survey of the social-political, economic, and philosophical context of eighteenth-century life and culture. It discusses the dominance of a wealthy male eliteElite in public life during the eighteenth century and contrasts it with the harsh living conditions of the majority of the population, shedding light on the dynamics of society at the time. Smith’s literary and philosophical influences, such as Thomas HobbesHobbes, T., Francis HutchesonHutcheson, F., Bernard MandevilleMandeville, B. and David HumeHume, D., shaped his understanding of and thoughts on human natureNature, ethics, and morality. The chapter outlines Smith’s approach to economic analysis, which emphasises close observation and precise description, aiming for a reliable explanatory model based on empirical facts. The chapter briefly outlines the biography of Adam Smith and its profound influence on his philosophical works. Smith’s experiences as a tutor on the Grand TourGrand tour shaped his view on education, although he himself benefited greatly from the intellectual exchangesExchanges and observations during his travels. Despite his dislike of OxfordOxford UniversityUniversities, Smith excelled in his studies and later returned to GlasgowGlasgow to become a professor of logic. “The Theory of Moral SentimentsThe Theory of Moral Sentiments, by Smith” established his reputation as a moral philosopher. Smith’s work culminated in the publication of “The Wealth of Nations” in 1776, which was highly acclaimed and solidified his legacy as a pioneering economist. Despite his fame, Smith remained humble and lived a quiet life until his death in 1790. Smith’s rejection of metaphysicsMetaphysics stems from his deep-seated trust in sensory experience and observation as the foundation of knowledge. He advocates for objectivity and ideological neutrality in scientific observation in parallel with John Locke’sLocke, J. principles. His interdisciplinary approach, drawing from philosophy, the developing field of economics, literature and the natural sciences, shaped his methodical approach to understanding human behaviour and social dynamics. Smith asserts that a prudent and open-minded way of life, rather than renunciation and abstention, forms the basis of economic prosperity. He argues that virtuous behaviour must benefit society as a whole, emphasizing the importance of moderation and self-interestSelf-interest in maintaining social and political stability and facilitating economic growth. Smith also explores the division of labourDivision of labour in intellectual pursuits, advocating for specialisation as a means of advancing knowledge and benefiting society. Despite the social disparities of his time, Smith emphasises the biological equality of all individuals, attributing differences in occupation and social status to education and activity rather than innate qualities.

Time and Work

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2025年

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Thomas Rommel,
Helen Winter

摘要

The chapter provides a survey of the social-political, economic, and philosophical context of eighteenth-century life and culture. It discusses the dominance of a wealthy male eliteElite in public life during the eighteenth century and contrasts it with the harsh living conditions of the majority of the population, shedding light on the dynamics of society at the time. Smith’s literary and philosophical influences, such as Thomas HobbesHobbes, T., Francis HutchesonHutcheson, F., Bernard MandevilleMandeville, B. and David HumeHume, D., shaped his understanding of and thoughts on human natureNature, ethics, and morality. The chapter outlines Smith’s approach to economic analysis, which emphasises close observation and precise description, aiming for a reliable explanatory model based on empirical facts. The chapter briefly outlines the biography of Adam Smith and its profound influence on his philosophical works. Smith’s experiences as a tutor on the Grand TourGrand tour shaped his view on education, although he himself benefited greatly from the intellectual exchangesExchanges and observations during his travels. Despite his dislike of OxfordOxford UniversityUniversities, Smith excelled in his studies and later returned to GlasgowGlasgow to become a professor of logic. “The Theory of Moral SentimentsThe Theory of Moral Sentiments, by Smith” established his reputation as a moral philosopher. Smith’s work culminated in the publication of “The Wealth of Nations” in 1776, which was highly acclaimed and solidified his legacy as a pioneering economist. Despite his fame, Smith remained humble and lived a quiet life until his death in 1790. Smith’s rejection of metaphysicsMetaphysics stems from his deep-seated trust in sensory experience and observation as the foundation of knowledge. He advocates for objectivity and ideological neutrality in scientific observation in parallel with John Locke’sLocke, J. principles. His interdisciplinary approach, drawing from philosophy, the developing field of economics, literature and the natural sciences, shaped his methodical approach to understanding human behaviour and social dynamics. Smith asserts that a prudent and open-minded way of life, rather than renunciation and abstention, forms the basis of economic prosperity. He argues that virtuous behaviour must benefit society as a whole, emphasizing the importance of moderation and self-interestSelf-interest in maintaining social and political stability and facilitating economic growth. Smith also explores the division of labourDivision of labour in intellectual pursuits, advocating for specialisation as a means of advancing knowledge and benefiting society. Despite the social disparities of his time, Smith emphasises the biological equality of all individuals, attributing differences in occupation and social status to education and activity rather than innate qualities.