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Economist Kate Barker on the Free Market

A History of Ideas

CHAPTER

The Importance of Moral Sentiments

Adam Smith was a central figure in the Scottish Enlightenment of the 18th century. He argued that an economic system based on individual self-interest and fair competition could achieve the greatest good for all. Despite his announcements on free trade, Smith was appointed in 1778 as Scotland's Commissioner of Customs and Soft duties. The theme of these programmes is how it is that society works: How we relate to each other.

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