Eric Schliesser, Adam Smith: Systematic Philosopher and Public Thinker

Abstract

“This whole book has been one long argument for the idea that return to and study of such exemplars is a necessary, prefatory step in the renewal and re-articulation of the ‘old truths’ of liberalism” (375). For a book as long and complex as this one, this is the most apt summary statement of the central purpose of the work. Eric Schliesser’s book is certainly long; it is composed of numerous overlapping arguments, and the treatment is topical rather than expository. However, it all comes tog...