Adam Smith and the foundations of pluralism
Date
2025
Authors
Dow, Sheila Christine
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Social Philosophy and Policy
Abstract
The purpose of this essay is to explore Adam Smith’s work for ideas relevant to modern-day discourse on pluralism (understood as methodological pluralism). It is argued here that the emphasis on difference of perspective in his theory of human nature is potentially foundational for pluralism. I explore Smith’s philosophy of science, where his theory of human nature explains the motivation for building knowledge, the conduct of enquiry, and the appraisal of resulting theories. Finally, I explore exemplars of pluralist practice in Smith’s treatment of alternative approaches to economics to his own as well as in his account of different approaches to history and astronomy.
Description
Keywords
pluralism, moral philosophy, economic theory, Adam Smith, David Hume
Citation
Dow, S. C. (2025). Adam Smith and the foundations of pluralism. Social Philosophy and Policy, 42(2), 314–329. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0265052525100411