Adam Smith conversations

Throughout the tercentenary year the University of Glasgow and our partners will generate and contribute to many conversations about Adam Smith; his life, work, and legacies.

Here we showcase some of these exchanges of knowledge and ideas in podcasts, blogs, articles, events, and more.

Photo of lights treaming past the UK Parliament building and Big Ben clock tower with the text 'Resolution Foundation'
Photo of lights treaming past the UK Parliament building and Big Ben clock tower with the text 'Resolution Foundation'

Enlightened economics: Lessons from Adam Smith on the economic challenges facing modern Britain

Wed, 13 Sep 2023 16:36:00 BST

Jesse Norman MP discusses Adam Smith in this event co-hosted by the Resolution Foundation and the Society of Professional Economists.

Advert for the Global Economics: Division of Labour learning resource. Including the text: 'In The Wealth of Nations, published in 1776, Scottish economist and philosopher Adam Smith discussed how division of labour could be used in a pin factory in Glasgow.'
Advert for the Global Economics: Division of Labour learning resource. Including the text: 'In The Wealth of Nations, published in 1776, Scottish economist and philosopher Adam Smith discussed how division of labour could be used in a pin factory in Glasgow.'

Global economics: Division of labour - Adam Smith resources for schools

Tue, 05 Sep 2023 14:46:00 BST

A new resource about Adam Smith created by The Economist Educational Foundation and the University of Glasgow aims to help young people's understand of the ideas of the founder of modern economics.

A white bust of Adam Smith casting a shadow against a black background
A white bust of Adam Smith casting a shadow against a black background

How the work of Adam Smith could help solve the UK skills gap

Thu, 10 Aug 2023 15:53:00 BST

Principal of Glasgow University and economist Anton Muscatelli argues that the answer to the UK's productivity problem was identfied by Adam Smith and is still relevant today: public investment in quality education to close the skills gap and boost equality.

Professor Sir Anton Muscatelli standing in the Bute hall with three stained glass windows in the background. He's holding a few pieces of paper. Source: External Relations: Charlotte Morris
Professor Sir Anton Muscatelli standing in the Bute hall with three stained glass windows in the background. He's holding a few pieces of paper. Source: External Relations: Charlotte Morris

The Story of Smith and the University of Glasgow

Tue, 01 Aug 2023 10:40:00 BST

Professor Sir Anton Muscatelli welcomed guests to the culmination of the University's Tercentenary Week.

Professor Kat Riach speaking at a podium
Professor Kat Riach speaking at a podium

Revenue Scotland conference

Tue, 29 Aug 2023 16:36:00 BST

Adam Smith’s principles of taxation were the focus for Revenue Scotland’s biannual conference.

Ana Paula Londe Silva speaking with a presentation behind her of Adam Smith Source: Charlotte Morris
Ana Paula Londe Silva speaking with a presentation behind her of Adam Smith Source: Charlotte Morris

Sutton Trust Summer School

Mon, 07 Aug 2023 12:38:00 BST

Adam Smith Templeton fellows Ana Paula Londe Silva and Hiroyuki Ota guided the students through the concept of Smith’s division of labour.

Sam Peltzman with Graeme Roy and another person beside them chatting in the centre of a lecture hall. Close-up on Sam Peltzman's animated face and raised hands while he is speaking to a person whose face can't be seen. Source: Chicago Booth University
Sam Peltzman with Graeme Roy and another person beside them chatting in the centre of a lecture hall. Close-up on Sam Peltzman's animated face and raised hands while he is speaking to a person whose face can't be seen. Source: Chicago Booth University

Adam Smith and the Chicago School of Economics

Mon, 15 May 2023 16:36:00 BST

Professor Graeme Roy joined Professor Sam Peltzman to reflect on commonalities between Adam Smith's thinking and the Chicago School of Economics, and common public misunderstandings of each.

Full Summer School Group with Professor Craig Smith standing at the front of the group. Source: Charlotte Morris External Relations
Full Summer School Group with Professor Craig Smith standing at the front of the group. Source: Charlotte Morris External Relations

Age and Ideas of Adam Smith

Mon, 24 Jul 2023 09:48:00 BST

Students from across the world attended the University of Glasgow’s first Adam Smith international summer school, during the tercentenary of its famous graduate’s birth.

A red book with the name Adam Smith on the spine of the book. Beside is another black and gold book Source: Shutterstock Publisher: B Calkins
A red book with the name Adam Smith on the spine of the book. Beside is another black and gold book Source: Shutterstock Publisher: B Calkins

Free Thinking: Adam Smith

Fri, 30 Jun 2023 10:03:00 BST

The father of capitalism or a sensitive moral philosopher? Anne McElvoy hears about the unexpected side of Adam Smith and his enduring presence in modern political economy.

The YSI Workshop group together some sitting some standing. Source: Charlotte Morris
The YSI Workshop group together some sitting some standing. Source: Charlotte Morris

Young Scholars Initiative (YSI) workshop

Wed, 07 Jun 2023 12:22:00 BST

A workshop offered a unique opportunity for young and early career scholars to present and discuss their work.

Scottish Parliament building facing the front of the building with the pools of water in front. Source: ShutterStock: cornfield Link: https://enterprise.shutterstock.com/image-photo/edinburgh-scotland-may-15-exterior-scottish-260679551
Scottish Parliament building facing the front of the building with the pools of water in front. Source: ShutterStock: cornfield Link: https://enterprise.shutterstock.com/image-photo/edinburgh-scotland-may-15-exterior-scottish-260679551

Scottish Parliament commemorates Adam Smith

Wed, 07 Jun 2023 16:36:00 BST

On the tercentenary of Adam Smith's birth the Scottish Parliament agreed a motion to recognise the global significance of his ideas.

A line-up of eight speakers at the RES conference. Source: University of Glasgow
A line-up of eight speakers at the RES conference. Source: University of Glasgow

Royal Economic Society (RES) and Scottish Economic Society (SES) Annual Conference

Mon, 17 Apr 2023 10:49:00 BST

Royal Economic Society and Scottish Economic Society Annual Conference

An event with groups of people at round dinner tables with white tablecloths and candles listening to a woman giving a talk. Source: University of Glasgow
An event with groups of people at round dinner tables with white tablecloths and candles listening to a woman giving a talk. Source: University of Glasgow

The Wealth of Nations at Glasgow Talks

Fri, 14 Apr 2023 15:11:00 BST

Glasgow Chamber of Commerce reflects on the application of Adam Smith's theories today.

Painting called 'The Nelson Monument on Glasgow Green Struck by Lightning'. Circa 1810 by John Knox. Source: In the collection of Glasgow Life Museums, published on Art UK and reproduced under Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives licence https://artuk.org/discover/artworks/the-nelson-monument-on-glasgow-green-struck-by-lightning-84743
Painting called 'The Nelson Monument on Glasgow Green Struck by Lightning'. Circa 1810 by John Knox. Source: In the collection of Glasgow Life Museums, published on Art UK and reproduced under Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives licence https://artuk.org/discover/artworks/the-nelson-monument-on-glasgow-green-struck-by-lightning-84743

Adam Smith and Cultural Memory

Mon, 06 Mar 2023 23:39:00 GMT

How and why do we remember Adam Smith, and what meaning does this memory hold?

A black and white cartoon from 1793 showing a woman on one knee with a banknote in one hand being helped up by a gentleman as a old lady comes though the door to the room. Source: Met Museum, Public Domain https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/738939
A black and white cartoon from 1793 showing a woman on one knee with a banknote in one hand being helped up by a gentleman as a old lady comes though the door to the room. Source: Met Museum, Public Domain https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/738939

Adam Smith and Literary Culture

Mon, 06 Mar 2023 23:39:00 GMT

The impact of Adam Smith on literary culture and the study and writing of imaginative literature.

Street sign for Hutcheson Street, Merchant City in Glasgow. Source: It Wisnae Us: The Truth About Glasgow and Slavery https://it.wisnae.us/
Street sign for Hutcheson Street, Merchant City in Glasgow. Source: It Wisnae Us: The Truth About Glasgow and Slavery https://it.wisnae.us/

The Wealth of Nations, and 'Adam Smith questions' in Atlantic Slavery Studies

Mon, 06 Mar 2023 23:39:00 GMT

Continuing research agendas in the fields of Atlantic history and British slavery studies.

Sticker with the text '#BOYCOTT QATAR 2022. www.boycott-qatar.de' and an image of a football dragging a chain. Source: Markus Spiske on Unsplash https://unsplash.com/photos/0pKXTZSxqW4 Free to use under the Unsplash License
Sticker with the text '#BOYCOTT QATAR 2022. www.boycott-qatar.de' and an image of a football dragging a chain. Source: Markus Spiske on Unsplash https://unsplash.com/photos/0pKXTZSxqW4 Free to use under the Unsplash License

It Could Have Been Me: Adam Smith on Empathy and Diversity

Mon, 06 Mar 2023 23:39:00 GMT

How Adam Smith accounts for our willingness to empathize and take action.

Stained glass window with a portrait of Robert Burns on a floral background and the name 'Burns' in the window above his head. Source: University of Glasgow https://www.gla.ac.uk/events/globalburns/
Stained glass window with a portrait of Robert Burns on a floral background and the name 'Burns' in the window above his head. Source: University of Glasgow https://www.gla.ac.uk/events/globalburns/

Adam Smith and Robert Burns

Mon, 06 Mar 2023 23:39:00 GMT

Adam Smith's influence on literature and literary criticism.

Head of Adam Smith Business school John Finch standing with Principal of the University of Glasgow Anton Muscatelli, Dean of Social and Political sciences Sara Carter and Dean of External Engagement Graeme Roy Source: Adam Smith Business school
Head of Adam Smith Business school John Finch standing with Principal of the University of Glasgow Anton Muscatelli, Dean of Social and Political sciences Sara Carter and Dean of External Engagement Graeme Roy Source: Adam Smith Business school

Adam Smith 300 launch

Fri, 27 Jan 2023 10:49:00 GMT

At the Adam Smith 300 launch at the University of Glasgow leading scholars discussed Smith’s contribution to economics, philosophy and the arts.

A pile of three old books with brown leather bindings and gold writing containing the works of poet Robert Burns. Source: https://www.gla.ac.uk/schools/critical/research/researchcentresandnetworks/robertburnsstudies/
A pile of three old books with brown leather bindings and gold writing containing the works of poet Robert Burns. Source: https://www.gla.ac.uk/schools/critical/research/researchcentresandnetworks/robertburnsstudies/

Global Burns: Robert Burns and Adam Smith 2023

Wed, 25 Jan 2023 10:49:00 GMT

This Global Burns online event shared how poet Robert Burns was informed and inspired by the works of Adam Smith.

Scottish Parliament building facing the front of the building with the pools of water in front. Source: ShutterStock: cornfield Link: https://enterprise.shutterstock.com/image-photo/edinburgh-scotland-may-15-exterior-scottish-260679551
Scottish Parliament building facing the front of the building with the pools of water in front. Source: ShutterStock: cornfield Link: https://enterprise.shutterstock.com/image-photo/edinburgh-scotland-may-15-exterior-scottish-260679551

Scottish Parliament Reception

Thu, 19 Jan 2023 23:39:00 GMT

The Adam Smith Tercentenary celebrations were launched at an event at the Scottish Parliament.

Close up of the cover of a copy of the book, The Wealth of Nations
Close up of the cover of a copy of the book, The Wealth of Nations

The book that changed the world

Thu, 01 Sep 2022 16:52:00 BST

Professor Sir Anton Muscatelli and Dr Craig Smith share their views on the impact Smith’s magnum opus, The Wealth of Nations, has had on the world.

Statue of Adam Smith with St Giles' Cathedral behind him and a few buildings to the side. In addition a blue cloudy sky above Source: Shutterstock- Ulmus Media link: https://enterprise.shutterstock.com/image-photo/monument-adam-smith-on-royal-mile-606378845
Statue of Adam Smith with St Giles' Cathedral behind him and a few buildings to the side. In addition a blue cloudy sky above Source: Shutterstock- Ulmus Media link: https://enterprise.shutterstock.com/image-photo/monument-adam-smith-on-royal-mile-606378845

In Search of the Real Adam Smith - Freakonomics Radio

Wed, 21 Dec 2022 23:39:00 GMT

For Freakonomics Radio, experts from the worlds of economics, history, philosophy, political science and and drama discuss Adam Smith.

An opened book on top of a rock around a forest surrounded by trees blurred out. Source: Unsplash: Aaron Buden link: https://unsplash.com/photos/9zsHNt5OpqE
An opened book on top of a rock around a forest surrounded by trees blurred out. Source: Unsplash: Aaron Buden link: https://unsplash.com/photos/9zsHNt5OpqE

The issues Adam Smith wrote about are still relevant today

Wed, 07 Dec 2022 23:39:00 GMT

For The Herald, Professor Graeme Roy argues that as Adam Smith's ideas were crucial to helping establish the global economy we see today, it is remarkable how little we discuss his work.

President Barack Obama on the phone at his desk in the Oval Office in the White House. Source: Pete Souza, Obama White House Archive on Flickr https://www.flickr.com/photos/obamawhitehouse/24824526593/
President Barack Obama on the phone at his desk in the Oval Office in the White House. Source: Pete Souza, Obama White House Archive on Flickr https://www.flickr.com/photos/obamawhitehouse/24824526593/

Barack Obama's favourite economist marks tercentenary

Sat, 03 Dec 2022 23:39:00 GMT

The Herald speaks with Dr Craig Smith, Adam Smith Senior Lecturer in the Scottish Enlightenment, about how Smith's work has been interpreted and misunderstood.

Spotlight image with the University of Glasgow logo and a lightbulb. With the public policy and political process podcast with Graeme Roy and Kezia Dugdale Source: School of Law (Ruth O'Donnell)
Spotlight image with the University of Glasgow logo and a lightbulb. With the public policy and political process podcast with Graeme Roy and Kezia Dugdale Source: School of Law (Ruth O'Donnell)

Spotlight podcast: Adam Smith

Wed, 09 Mar 2022 23:39:00 GMT

Dr Craig Smith, Adam Smith Senior Lecturer in the Scottish Enlightenment, discusses perceptions of Smith, and the historical and cultural context of his work.

Adam Smith standing around columns in the background in black and white. Source: BBC Radio 4
Adam Smith standing around columns in the background in black and white. Source: BBC Radio 4

In Our Time: The Wealth of Nations

Fri, 30 Jun 2023 10:51:00 BST

Melvyn Bragg and his guests discuss Adam Smith's celebrated economic treatise The Wealth of Nations.

Sir Angus Deaton speaking with Anton Muscatelli during the Tercentenary week Source: Charlotte Morris.
Sir Angus Deaton speaking with Anton Muscatelli during the Tercentenary week Source: Charlotte Morris.

Economic Failure or Failure of Economics?

Tue, 28 Nov 2023 16:07:43 GMT

Professor Graeme Roy continues the discussion with Sir Angus Deaton and Dr Glory Liu about Smith's ideas, or interpretations of his ideas, have informed policy

People walking over the Adam Smith Memorial paving stone Source: Charlotte Morris.
People walking over the Adam Smith Memorial paving stone Source: Charlotte Morris.

Adam Smith Memorial

Mon, 11 Dec 2023 13:45:00 GMT

The University of Glasgow has unveiled Glasgow's first memorial to Adam Smith, located at the original site of its Old College.

Adam Smith portrait with Adam Smith: The Kirkcaldy papers Source: Amy Laux
Adam Smith portrait with Adam Smith: The Kirkcaldy papers Source: Amy Laux

Adam Smith: The Kirkcaldy Papers – launch of new book on Smith’s legacy

Mon, 11 Dec 2023 15:50:00 GMT

"Adam Smith: The Kirkcaldy Papers” was launched at an event in Kirkcaldy’s Old Kirk.