Who was Adam Smith?

These resources ask questions about Adam Smith as a person and how he developed the interests, knowledge and skills to become the world's first social scientist. 

Who was Adam Smith video

In this conversation, Professor Graeme Roy, Dean of External Engagement in the College of Social Sciences, spoke to Dr Craig Smith, Adam Smith Senior Lecturer in the Scottish Enlightenment.

Listen to the conversation

Ahead of the tercentenary year of 2023, Dr Smith talked about perceptions of Adam Smith, and contextualises his work in the historical and cultural circumstances of Scotland in the 18th century.

This discussion was recorded as part of the UofG Spotlight podcast in March 2022.

Freakonomics Radio travelled to Smith's hometown in Scotland to uncover the man behind the myth. In a series of three podcasts, experts from the worlds of economics, history, philosophy, political science and and drama discussed Adam Smith and his ideas.

Contributors include Maha Rafi Atal, Assistant Professor in Global Economy, and Craig Smith, Adam Smith Senior Lecturer in the Scottish Enlightenment, at the University of Glasgow.

Part 1 asked how did an affable 18th-century moral philosopher become the patron saint of cut-throat capitalism? And considered whether "the invisible hand" meant what everyone thinks it does? 

Freakonomics Radio is hosted by Stephen J. Dubner, co-author of the Freakonomics books.