The Regularity of Irregularity in Adam Smith's Three Invisible Hands
published at Adam Smith Works
11 Pages Posted: 21 Jul 2020
Date Written: July 14, 2020
Abstract
The expression “invisible hand” appears once in each of three works by Adam Smith. It has been suggested that in History of Astronomy the term suggests an irregularity whereas in Theory of Moral Sentiments and Wealth of Nations, a regularity. I suggest that in the latter two instances, Smith is self-consciously paralleling the heathen “savage” who invokes “the invisible hand of Jupiter.” All three instances suggest irregularity, though in the latter two quite subtly. Across all three, therefore, there is a regularity of irregularity.
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation
Klein, Daniel B., The Regularity of Irregularity in Adam Smith's Three Invisible Hands (July 14, 2020). published at Adam Smith Works, GMU Working Paper in Economics Forthcoming, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3651007
Do you have negative results from your research you’d like to share?
Feedback
Feedback to SSRN
If you need immediate assistance, call 877-SSRNHelp (877 777 6435) in the United States, or +1 212 448 2500 outside of the United States, 8:30AM to 6:00PM U.S. Eastern, Monday - Friday.