Economic Sentiments: Adam Smith, Condorcet, and the Enlightenment

Economic Sentiments examines the economic and social thought of Adam Smith and the Marquis de Condorcet during the Age of Enlightenment. The book focuses on their views of commerce, education, and social progress in the context of 18th century intellectual discourse. Emma Rothschild analyzes Smith's "The Wealth of Nations" and "The Theory of Moral Sentiments," revealing connections between his economic theories and moral philosophy. Her research draws upon historical documents and correspondence to explore how Smith's ideas on markets and human behavior were interpreted by his contemporaries. The narrative reconstructs Condorcet's vision of economic and social development during the French Revolution, including his proposals for public education and mathematical approaches to decision-making. Rothschild examines how both thinkers responded to the political turbulence and economic changes of their era. The book presents Smith and Condorcet as complex figures whose ideas about markets, rationality, and progress remain relevant to modern economic debates. Their emphasis on the relationship between economic and moral reasoning offers insights for contemporary discussions about capitalism and social justice.

Readers found this academic work illuminating but dense. Several reviews note it offers fresh perspectives on Smith and Condorcet's views of markets and rationality, particularly challenging oversimplified interpretations of Smith as a pure free-market advocate. Readers appreciated: - Deep historical context and connections between Enlightenment thinkers - Examination of Smith's moral philosophy beyond economics - Challenge to common misreadings of Smith Common criticisms: - Writing style is difficult to follow - Too much academic jargon - Arguments could be more concise - Limited accessibility for non-specialists Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (43 ratings) Amazon: 3.7/5 (11 reviews) Notable reader comment: "Important ideas buried in needlessly complex prose" - Amazon reviewer One academic reviewer on Goodreads praised the "thorough research and novel interpretations" but noted the book "requires significant background knowledge in economic history."

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🔷 Emma Rothschild, a professor at Harvard University, comes from the famous Rothschild banking family but has carved out her own distinct path as a prominent economic historian 🔷 The book challenges the common perception that Adam Smith was a pure free-market advocate, revealing his complex views on government regulation and social justice 🔷 The French mathematician Condorcet, who features prominently in the book, wrote his final philosophical work while in hiding during the French Revolution, shortly before his death in prison 🔷 The author connects 18th-century economic thought to modern debates about globalization and market regulation, showing how many current economic discussions echo Enlightenment-era concerns 🔷 The book won the 2003 Joseph J. Spengler Prize in the History of Economics, awarded by the History of Economics Society for the best book in the field