The Wealth of Nations, Part 1: Giants of Political Thought

An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations is the foundation of classical economics, and it has influenced a broad range of thinkers.

In it, Adam Smith stresses the importance of the division of labor to economic progress. He criticizes the arguments for economic planning and offers a detailed theoretical and historical case for free trade. Far more than just a work on economic theory, The Wealth of Nations also contains Smith¿s views on philosophy, history, and political theory.

This program discusses Smith¿s general approach to philosophy and how The Wealth of Nations fits into that approach. It then goes on to cover Smith¿s major themes in this lengthy and complex book. Smith¿s sometimes difficult discourse is presented with the background information necessary for its comprehension.