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Adam Smith in Love

Author

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  • F. E. Guerra-Pujol

Abstract

Who were Adam Smith’s lost loves? I put Smith’s love life into historical context by briefly describing the strict ecclesiastical regulation of sex as well as the expansive jurisdiction of parish churches over people’s sex lives in the Scotland of his youth. Next, I reassemble all the available evidence, draw inferences, and present some conjectures. It is reasonable to conclude that Smith had at least two romantic relationships, possibly more, though we know very little about the women or the precise nature of these relationships.

Suggested Citation

  • F. E. Guerra-Pujol, 2021. "Adam Smith in Love," Econ Journal Watch, Econ Journal Watch, vol. 18(1), pages 127–155-1, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:ejw:journl:v:18:y:2021:i:1:p:127-155
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Gavin Kennedy, 2005. "Adam Smith’s Lost Legacy," Palgrave Macmillan Books, Palgrave Macmillan, number 978-0-230-51119-4, December.
    2. Francesco Luna, 1993. "From the History of Astronomy to the Wealth of Nations: Wonderful Wheels and Invisible Hands in Adam Smith's Major Works," UCLA Economics Working Papers 691, UCLA Department of Economics.
    3. Leah Leneman & Rosalind Mitchison, 1987. "Scottish illegitimacy ratios in the early modern period," Economic History Review, Economic History Society, vol. 40(1), pages 41-63, February.
    4. Ross, Ian Simpson, 2010. "The Life of Adam Smith," OUP Catalogue, Oxford University Press, edition 2, number 9780199550036.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Abbe Colbert; James Currie; Janet Douglas; Lady Frances; David Hume; Henry Mackenzie; Madame Nicol; Marie-Jeanne Riccoboni; Dugald Stewart; Fife;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • B31 - Schools of Economic Thought and Methodology - - History of Economic Thought: Individuals - - - Individuals
    • K19 - Law and Economics - - Basic Areas of Law - - - Other

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