Revisiting the "father of capitalism"
The Gray Area with Sean Illing
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Sympathy and Capitalism: Unpacking Adam Smith's Legacy
This chapter analyzes the role of sympathy in Adam Smith's moral philosophy, highlighting how empathy interlaces with self-interest in shaping economic behaviors. It critiques the historical misinterpretation of Smith's ideas, particularly within the Chicago School of Economics, revealing the complexities of human motivations beyond greed. The discussion emphasizes the significance of understanding the historical and ideological context of economic theories, framing Smith as a moral philosopher rather than merely the father of economics.
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