Invisible and Visible Hands. What Kind of Economist is Adam Smith, and Why is He Still Relevant?

Abstract

ABSTRACT Adam Smith’s works are investigated to provide better understandings of his contributions to economics and social science. The main issues discussed are the roles of invisible and visible hands; his general theories concerning human nature, moral philosophy, and socioeconomic formations; his proposal for major socioeconomic reform; whether he was a political economist or the ‘father’ of Neoclassicism; the nature of metaphorical interpretations; and why his thought still remains relevant.