The Regularity of Irregularity in Adam Smith's Three Invisible Hands

published at Adam Smith Works

GMU Working Paper in Economics Forthcoming

11 Pages Posted: 21 Jul 2020

See all articles by Daniel B. Klein

Daniel B. Klein

George Mason University - Department of Economics; George Mason University - Mercatus Center

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

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

Daniel B. Klein (Contact Author)

George Mason University - Department of Economics ( email )

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United States

HOME PAGE: http://economics.gmu.edu/people/dklein

George Mason University - Mercatus Center ( email )

3434 Washington Blvd., 4th Floor
Arlington, VA 22201
United States

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