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Adam Smith: Natural Theology and Its Implications for His Method of Social Inquiry

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  • Kwangsu Kim

Abstract

This paper sees a systematic unity between Smith's theological view and scientific study of society. Smith's theological outlook as to a benevolent deity is grasped as a metaphysical doctrine in his system of social science. It arises from the fact that while Smith's opinion concerning God's attributes is established, in the first instance, on the basis of his empirical study of nature, it also stands irrespective of other facts which are not in line with the patterns of order and design. Smith's metaphysical proposition as such is methodologically suggestive in that it proposes theoretical possibilities for progress and harmony and rules out the features of conflict at the analytic level. This implies a difficulty in subscribing to a conventional interpretation that introduces the “two Smiths's” view (the duality of his method and vision).

Suggested Citation

  • Kwangsu Kim, 1997. "Adam Smith: Natural Theology and Its Implications for His Method of Social Inquiry," Review of Social Economy, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 55(3), pages 312-336.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:rsocec:v:55:y:1997:i:3:p:312-336
    DOI: 10.1080/00346769700000003
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    Cited by:

    1. Roberto Censolo, 2023. "THE MORAL FOUNDATIONS OF CAPITALISM. An Investigation of Adam Smith Pessimism," Working Papers 20230311, University of Ferrara, Department of Economics.
    2. Jimena Hurtado, 2023. "Believing, Belonging and Understanding: Religion and Philosophy as Narratives and Practice in Adam Smith," Research in the History of Economic Thought and Methodology, in: Research in the History of Economic Thought and Methodology: Including a Symposium on Religion, the Scottish Enlightenment, and the Rise of Liberalism, volume 41, pages 11-26, Emerald Group Publishing Limited.
    3. Walter O. Ötsch, 2006. "Gottes-Bilder und ökonomische Theorie: Naturtheologie und Moralität bei Adam Smith," Economics working papers 2006-15, Department of Economics, Johannes Kepler University Linz, Austria.

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