Now that the Marxist project of human transformation through the elimination of self-interest and markets stands thoroughly discredited, it is time to acknowledge Adam Smith as one of the most important social thinkers of modern times. Smith's Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations, published in 1776, argued that a market economy was not only best able to meet the material needs of the people; it also provided a moral system which relied on human nature to create order and fairness. But Smith's intentions and conclusions, much maligned by his opponents on the left, have just as often been misunderstood by his conservative defenders.
Counter to the popular impression that Smith was a champion of selfishness and greed, Jerry Z. Muller shows in this powerful and provocative work of historical reconstruction that Smith hoped to promote the welfare of society as a whole, and that he wrote The Wealth of Nations to warn of the dangers to the common good posed by organized mercantile interests. And contrary to those who believe that the naked pursuit of self-interest always leads to socially beneficial results, Smith maintained that government must intervene to counteract its negative effects.
Smith's analysis went beyond economics to embrace a larger "civilizing project" designed to create a more decent society. The freedom made possible by a commercial society, Smith thought, would only be desirable when coupled with supporting institutions - including the law, family, and religion - which fostered the virtues of self-control and altruism that people need to manage their new liberty. He also explained how human passions could be harnessed to that goal. In doing so, he laid the ground for much of modern social science, as he explored the unanticipated consequences of social action, the social formation of conscience, and the linkages between social, political, and economic institutions.
By balancing a healthy respect for self-interest with awareness of the deeper satisfactions that arise from acting fairly and benevolently, Smith forged a middle path between those who regard self-interest as inherently immoral and those who view it as the ultimate in human motivation. Today, as lawmakers, journalists, scholars, and citizens continue to struggle with questions about the role of the market, the state, and other institutions, Muller shows why Adam Smith remains a timely and indispensable guide to the modern dilemma.

Product Description

Book by Jerry Z Muller

Le informazioni nella sezione "Su questo libro" possono far riferimento a edizioni diverse di questo titolo.

Descrizione libreria

ThriftBooks is a fully independent seller of used books, having sold more than 160 million used and new books since we started in 2003. Each quality used book is sorted, graded, shelved and shipped by hand by our team of dedicated employees in our seven warehouses across the US. We have the best selection of books, in the right condition and format, at everyday low prices. We also have a dedicated, US-based Customer Service team, ranked in the top three by Newsweek for Best Customer Service in 2018 and 2019, so you can shop with confidence. We support and invest in our employees, appreciate and value our customers, and truly believe in the power of the written word to educate, energize, and engage readers of all ages and interests.

Visita la pagina della libreria

Informazioni sull?azienda del venditore

Thrift Books Global LLC
18300 Cascade Ave S, Seattle, WA, 98188, U.S.A.

Condizioni di vendita e spedizione

Condizioni di vendita

We guarantee each book that we send you. If you have any problems, please contact
our dedicated customer service department. They will do everything possible to
ensure you are happy with your order.

Diritto di recesso

Condizioni di spedizione

All domestic Standard and Expedited shipments are distributed from our warehouses by OSM, then handed off to the USPS for final delivery.

2-Day Shipping is delivered by FedEx, which does not deliver to PO boxes.

International shipments are tendered to the local postal service in the destination country for final delivery – we do not use courier services for international deliveries.

Tariffe di spedizione nazionale per U.S.A.

Tariffe di spedizione nazionale per U.S.A.
Quantit� dell?ordine	Da 4 a 8 giorni lavorativi	Da 4 a 8 giorni lavorativi
Primo articolo	EUR 0.00	EUR 0.00

I tempi di consegna sono stabiliti dai venditori e variano in base al corriere e al paese. Gli ordini che devono attraversare una dogana possono subire ritardi e spetta agli acquirenti pagare eventuali tariffe o dazi associati. I venditori possono contattarti in merito ad addebiti aggiuntivi dovuti a eventuali maggiorazioni dei costi di spedizione dei tuoi articoli.