Ambition and prudence: os sistemas econômicos de Adam Smith

Author(s)

Alexandre Amaral Rodrigues

• Document type: Doctoral Thesis
• Press: São Paulo.
• Institution: Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Faculdade de Filosofia, Letras e Ciências Humanas (FFLCH/SBD)
• Defense date: 2017-08-04

Examining board members

Maria das Graças de Souza; Mauricio Chalfin Coutinho; Fernão de Oliveira Salles dos Santos Cruz; Maria Isabel de Magalhães Papaterra Limongi; Pedro Paulo Garrido Pimenta

• Advisor: Maria das Graças de Souza

Abstract

The thesis sustains that Adam Smith attenuates his critical position with regard to the search for wealth accumulation in commercial societies between the Theory of Moral Sentiments and The Wealth of Nations. Such a change is associated with a new \"character\" of economic relations that emerges in the last of these works: the accumulator of capital. The difference between the search for fortune and the accumulation of capital, we argue, is associated with a conceptual difference between wealth and capital, which is owed, according to our conception, to the physiocrat\'s influence over the Smithian idea of \"progress of opulence,\" and perhaps even over his general view of society. Finally, we argue - and this is our main point - that Adam Smith sought to reconcile this change with what he had written in his first work. This attempt was evidenced by subtle but relevant aspects of the modifications that the philosopher introduced in the text of the Theory of Moral Sentiments in his last revision of 1790. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 13/06546-5 - The necessary dissonance: sympathy and prosperity in Adam Smith's 'Theory of Moral Sentiments'
• Grantee: Alexandre Amaral Rodrigues
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate