audio record
Media not available in the Digital Archive
Description
A biography of Adam Smith, his environment and inflences.
Metadata describing this Open University audio programme
Module code and title: A204, The Enlightenment
Item code: A204; 25
Recording date: 1979-08-24
First transmission date: 12-08-1980
Published: 1980
Rights Statement: Rights owned or controlled by The Open University
Restrictions on use: This material can be used in accordance with The Open University conditions of use. A link to the conditions can be found at the bottom of all OUDA web pages.
Duration: 00:17:57
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Producer: Tony Coe
Contributors: Ian Ross; William Russell; Henry Stamper
Publisher: BBC Open University
Keyword(s): David Hume; The theory of moral sentiments; Wealth of Nations
Footage description: Little biographical material on Smith remains, because Smith himself was a very private man. It is evident from his work however that his early life and surroundings had a profound influence on him. After an abortive six years at Oxford University Smith returned to Scotland to give a series of public lectures whose success led to his appointment as Professor of Logic at Glasgow. Smith's justice lectures formed the basis of the Wealth of Nations. During his time at Glasgow, Smith also became close friends with the philosopher historian David Hume. Smith's ethics lectures were published in 1759 as The Theory of Moral Sentiments. He was engaged as tutor to the Duke of Buccleuch and accompanied him on a tour of Europe. He visited Voltaire in Geneva and spent some time in Paris with the 'philosopher' and 'economistes'. After his return to England Smith retired with his mother to his birthplace of Kirkcaldy to work on his book - the Wealth of Nations finally published in 1776. Smith's work as a Commissioner of Customs and his constant meticulous revising of 'The Theory of Moral Sentiments' and 'The Wealth of Nations' kept him too busy to complete his projected Philosophical History and History of Law and Government to his own satisfaction. He died on 17th July 1790.
Master spool number: TLN34950H936
Production number: TLN34950H936
Available to public: no