Andy's Thesis Description

            For my thesis, I am planning on working on Adam Smith’s theory of education.  His educational theory sits right at the volatile intersection of his two major works: The Theory of Moral Sentiments (1759) and The Wealth of Nations (1776).  Traditionally, these two texts have been viewed, respectively, as a representation of Smith’s moral theory on the one hand, and an exposition of his economics on the other.  Yet, as I hope to argue, his moral philosophy and economics, in fact, support, interweave, and even contradict one another, but do not, as has traditionally been argued, exist wholly independently.

            Commentators often emphasize Smith’s economic theory as the magnum opus of his career.  As a result, his moral philosophy has conventionally been separated from and subordinated to his economics.  But recent scholarship has brought the moral philosophical side of his work back into conversation with his more popularly known economic theory.  I hope to contribute to this effort by developing an interpretation of Smith’s theory and philosophy of education, and attempt to identify what, if any, explicit educational policy he prescribed.  In pursuing this project, I plan to focus both on popular as well as higher education and intend to weave Smith’s own educational experience into my narrative and analysis.

            I have already spent time at the University of Glasgow (where Smith worked and taught) in their Special Collections department reading Smith’s papers and correspondence.  I have a substantial amount of relevant primary source material collected already that provides insight into Smith’s own educational experience as a student, teacher, and tutor.  I am hoping that these materials will play a central role in bridging the gap between his more esoteric and theoretical published works and his more practical experiences in the world of education throughout his life.

            One of the challenges of this project will be building a coherent narrative that integrates Smith’s theory and ideas with his recorded experiences and interactions.  I know that I will need to actively focus on maintaining a balance between these two pools of primary material while, at the same time, elucidating their relationship and demonstrating their connections.  Secondary sources may be quite helpful in addressing this challenge by providing examples of ways in which scholars have dealt with these thematic and structural issues in existing works.

            In terms of questions that I would like my thesis to address: I want to know why Smith has so often been unfairly and simplistically transformed into a doctrinaire and uncritical advocate of free markets, particularly in contemporary discourse.  This question extends beyond just the practice of ignoring The Theory of Moral Sentiments when discussing Smith’s economic theory.  Many representations of Smith often purge themselves of the nuance and complexity that garnered The Wealth of Nations critical acclaim in the first place.  I hope that my thesis can explore this phenomenon and provide an answer to why it has become commonplace.

In terms of sources, all Smith’s published works are available in a published Glasgow Edition.  I have already had a chance to look at his correspondence in the original.  During Honors College, I am hoping to shift my focus now towards the secondary literature.