Adam Smith and Rousseau

This collection examines the intellectual relationship between two Enlightenment giants, highlighting their shared themes and mutual influences in politics and philosophy.

This collection delves into the intricate relationship between two of the Enlightenment's most significant thinkers: Adam Smith and Jean-Jacques Rousseau. Scholars from diverse disciplines come together to examine their shared concerns across various fields, including politics, philosophy, economics, history, and literature. The book highlights how both thinkers contributed to the development of modern political economy and moral philosophy, offering insights into their intellectual exchanges and mutual influences.

Adam Smith and Rousseau also explores the themes that resonate throughout their works, such as sympathy, inequality, and the nature of political economy. While there is no definitive evidence that the two ever met, they moved within the same intellectual circles and shared numerous friends, including the prominent philosopher David Hume. Their correspondence and mutual interests reveal a complex dialogue that shaped Enlightenment thought and continues to influence contemporary discussions.

The contributors to this volume include esteemed scholars from various institutions, each bringing their unique perspectives to the analysis of Smith and Rousseau's ideas. By examining their works and the context in which they were written, Adam Smith and Rousseau invites readers to reflect on the enduring relevance of these thinkers and their contributions to our understanding of modern society.