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Adam Smith

Scottish economist and philosopher during Scottish Enlightenment.
Scottish economist and philosopher during Scottish Enlightenment.
Adam Smith, known as 'The Father of Economics' and 'The Father of Capitalism', authored 'The Wealth of Nations' and 'The Theory of Moral Sentiments'. He introduced the concept of absolute advantage and division of labour, shaping modern economics.
1723-06-05
Birth of Adam Smith
Adam Smith, the eminent Scottish moral philosopher and the founder of modern economics, was born on June 5, 1723. He is best known for his influential book, The Wealth of Nations, which laid the foundation for Western capitalism.
1723-06-16
Birth of Adam Smith
Scottish economist and moral philosopher Adam Smith was born. He is best known for his works The Theory of Moral Sentiments and The Wealth of Nations, and is considered a pioneer of political economy and a key figure of the Scottish Enlightenment period.
1723-09-17
Birth of Adam Smith
Adam Smith was born on September 17, 1723.
1737-01-01
Adam Smith attends University of Glasgow
On January 1, 1737, Adam Smith enrolled at the University of Glasgow, a significant event in the life of the renowned economist and philosopher.
1740-01-01
Adam Smith attends Oxford University
On January 1, 1740, Adam Smith started his studies at Balliol College, Oxford after winning the Snell Exhibition award. This marked a significant transition in his academic journey and further enriched his intellectual pursuits.
1746
Adam Smith returns to live with his mother
In 1746, Adam Smith went back to live with his mother for two more years after studying various philosophical topics.
1748-01-01
Adam Smith gives Lectures at Edinburgh
On January 1, 1748, Adam Smith delivered lectures at the University of Edinburgh.
1750
Meeting David Hume
In 1750, Adam Smith met David Hume, who later became one of his closest friends.
1751-01-01
Smith appointed to Chair of Moral Philosophy at Glasgow
In 1751, Adam Smith was appointed to the Chair of Moral Philosophy at the University of Glasgow. This appointment marked a significant milestone in Smith's academic career.
1752
Transfer to Professorship of Moral Philosophy
In 1752, Adam Smith transferred from the professorship of logic to the more remunerative professorship of moral philosophy at the University of Glasgow. This new position encompassed fields such as natural theology, ethics, jurisprudence, and political economy.
1758-01-01
Smith becomes Quaestor at Glasgow
In 1758, Adam Smith was appointed as Quaestor at Glasgow University, a significant role that showcased his academic prowess and leadership abilities.
1759-01-01
Publication of 'The Theory of Moral Sentiments' by Adam Smith
On January 1, 1759, Adam Smith published 'The Theory of Moral Sentiments', a key work in the field of moral philosophy that explored the nature of human morality and ethics.
1760
Smith appointed as Chair of Moral Philosophy and Logic at Glasgow University
In 1760, Adam Smith's exceptional open lectures at the University of Edinburgh led to his prestigious appointment as the Chair of Moral Philosophy and Logic at Glasgow University, a position that emphasized his expertise in ethics, rhetoric, and law.
1762-12-11
Adam Smith becomes Vice Rector at Glasgow
On December 11, 1762, Adam Smith was appointed as the Vice Rector at the University of Glasgow. This position marked a significant milestone in Smith's academic career.
1763-01-01
Adam Smith Tours Europe
On January 1, 1763, Adam Smith embarked on a tour of Europe. This journey allowed Smith to explore different cultures, economies, and societies, influencing his later works and ideas.
1764
Resignation from professorship at the University of Glasgow
In 1764, Smith resigned from his professorship at the University of Glasgow to take a tutoring position offered by British chancellor of the Exchequer Charles Townshend.
1765
Adam Smith tutors the Duke of Buccleuch
After writing 'The Theory of Moral Sentiments,' Adam Smith was hired to tutor the Duke of Buccleuch, gaining recognition for his work. This opportunity allowed Smith to travel to France, where he met influential figures like Benjamin Franklin and Turgot, impacting his ideas for his later work 'Wealth of Nations.'
1766
Advisor to the British Chancellor of the Exchequer
In 1766, Adam Smith served as an advisor to the British Chancellor of the Exchequer, providing economic insights and guidance.
1776-03-09
Publication of 'Wealth of Nations'
On March 9, 1776, Adam Smith published 'The Wealth of Nations', a groundbreaking work in the field of economics that laid the foundation for modern economic theory. This book is considered one of the most influential works in the history of economics.
1777
Publication of Adam Smith's letter to William Strahan
In 1777, Adam Smith's letter to William Strahan was published, where he praised David Hume's courage in the face of death despite being irreligious, sparking controversy.
1778
Appointment as Commissioner of Customs in Scotland
In 1778, Adam Smith was appointed to a comfortable post as commissioner of customs in Scotland.
1790
Adam Smith's Principles of Society
Adam Smith discusses the importance of principles coinciding and acting in the same direction for a harmonious and successful human society in his work.
1790-07-17
Death of Adam Smith
On July 17, 1790, Adam Smith passed away in Edinburgh, marking the end of a significant era in economic and moral philosophy.
1790-07-27
Death of Adam Smith
Adam Smith, a prominent philosophical thinker, passed away on July 27th, 1790. His death was significant in the history of philosophy.
1795
Essays on Philosophical Subjects published
The posthumously published Essays on Philosophical Subjects in 1795 may contain parts of what would have been the latter treatise.
1878
Sale of Adam Smith's Library
Upon the death of Mrs. Cunningham's husband in 1878, some of the books from Adam Smith's library were sold. The remaining collection was eventually divided between his two surviving children.
1879
Transfer of Library to New College in Edinburgh
Following the passing of Mrs. Bannerman in 1879, her portion of Adam Smith's library was transferred intact to the New College in Edinburgh, which later became part of the University of Edinburgh Main Library in 1972.
1895
Life of Adam Smith
A biography of Adam Smith written by John Rae in 1895, providing insights into the life of the renowned economist.
1909
A Project of Empire
A critical study of the economics of imperialism with a special focus on the ideas of Adam Smith, written by J. Shield Nicholson in 1909.
1938
Adam Smith as Student and Professor
In 1938, a work titled 'Adam Smith as Student and Professor' was published in the Economic Journal.
1976
Milton Friedman's view on Adam Smith
Nobel laureate economist Milton Friedman expressed in 1976 that Adam Smith's work in The Wealth of Nations was still highly relevant even after 200 years of its publication.
1977
An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations
Adam Smith's seminal work originally published in 1776, reprinted in 1977 by the University of Chicago Press.
1980
Publication of Essays on Philosophical Subjects
In 1980, Adam Smith's Essays on Philosophical Subjects were published posthumously, showcasing his diverse intellectual interests beyond economics.
1981
Appearance on Clydesdale Bank £50 notes
Adam Smith's portrait started appearing on £50 notes issued by the Clydesdale Bank in Scotland in 1981.
1982
The Theory of Moral Sentiments
A work by Adam Smith first published in 1759, edited by D.D. Raphael and A.L. Macfie in 1982.
1995
Adam Smith in His Time and Ours
A book by Jerry Z. Muller from 1995 that examines the relevance of Adam Smith's ideas in both historical context and contemporary society.
1999
Social accounting in Adam Smith
An essay by F. Vianello from 1999 that discusses the concept of social accounting in the works of Adam Smith.
2002
The Theory of Moral Sentiments
Another edition of Adam Smith's work, 'The Theory of Moral Sentiments', edited by Knud Haakonssen and published in 2002.
2004
Adam Smith, je connais !
A French biography by Éric Pichet from 2004 that provides insights into Adam Smith's life and ideas.
2005
The Wealth of Nations named among 100 Best Scottish Books
In 2005, The Wealth of Nations was recognized as one of the 100 Best Scottish Books of all time, highlighting its enduring impact and significance in the literary world.
2006
Adam Smith, Radical and Egalitarian: An Interpretation for the 21st Century
A book by Iain McLean published in 2006 that provides an interpretation of Adam Smith as a radical and egalitarian figure for the modern era.
2007-03
Appearance on Bank of England £20 notes
In March 2007, Adam Smith's image was featured on the new series of £20 notes issued by the Bank of England, making him the first Scotsman to be on an English banknote.
2008-07-04
Unveiling of Alexander Stoddart's Memorial in Edinburgh
A 10-foot tall bronze sculpture of Adam Smith by Alexander Stoddart was unveiled on 4 July 2008 in Edinburgh, standing outside St Giles' Cathedral in Parliament Square.
2009
After Adam Smith: A Century of Transformation in Politics and Political Economy
A book by Murray Milgate and Shannon Stimson published in 2009 that explores the impact and changes in politics and political economy since the time of Adam Smith.
2010
Adam Smith: An Enlightened Life
A scholarly biography by Nicholas Phillipson published in 2010 that sheds light on the life and enlightened perspectives of Adam Smith.
2013
Adam Smith
A book by James Otteson published in 2013 that provides an overview of Adam Smith's life, ideas, and contributions to economics.
2014-03-12
Adam Smith and Empire: A New Talking Empire Podcast
A podcast episode from the Imperial & Global Forum on 12th March 2014 that explores the relationship between Adam Smith's ideas and empire.
2015
Symposium on Jack Russell Weinstein's Adam Smith's Pluralism
A symposium by N. Wolloch in 2015 discussing Jack Russell Weinstein's work on Adam Smith's pluralism, rationality, education, and moral sentiments.
2017
Publication of 'The Big Three in Economics: Adam Smith, Karl Marx, and John Maynard Keynes'
The book 'The Big Three in Economics' by Mark Skousen discusses the influential economists Adam Smith, Karl Marx, and John Maynard Keynes. Page 36 may contain information about Adam Smith's economic theories.
2023-12
Unveiling of Adam Smith Quotations in Glasgow
Five paving stones with quotations from Adam Smith's works were unveiled in December 2023 in the High Street, Glasgow, commissioned by the University of Glasgow to mark the 300th anniversary of Smith's birth.
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Adam Smith

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Adam Smith

Scottish economist and philosopher during Scottish Enlightenment.
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