Lectures on Jurisprudence (Glasgow Edition of the Works and Correspondence of Adam Smith): 5 (Glasgow Edition of the Works of Adam Smith) - Softcover

Smith, Adam

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0865970114 ISBN 13: 9780865970113

Publisher: Liberty Fund Inc, 1982

Synopsis

Smith's Lectures on Jurisprudence, originally delivered at the University of Glasgow in 1762-1763, presents his "theory of the rules by which civil government ought to be directed." The chief purpose of government, according to Smith, is to preserve justice; and "the object of justice is security from injury." The state must protect the individual's right to his person, property, reputation, and social relations.

Building on his Theory of Moral Sentiments, Smith argues that the state must act as an impartial spectator, judging when an individual has been injured. The state must then design and apply civil and criminal laws to prevent further injuries and punish transgressors. Laws are also the means by which the state promotes public prosperity. Thus, regulations concerning trade, commerce, and production must be crafted so as to encourage rather than interfere with our productive capacities.

About this title

Synopsis:

Smith's "Lectures on Jurisprudence", originally delivered at Glasgow University in 1762-1763, presents his "theory of the rules by which civil government ought to be directed". Building on his "Theory of Moral Sentiments", Smith argues that the state must act as an impartial spectator, judging when an individual has been injured, Thus, regulations concerning trade, commerce, and production must be crafted so as to encourage rather than interfere with other productive capacities.

About this edition

• Publisher: Liberty Fund Inc
• Publication date: 1982
• ISBN 10: 0865970114
• ISBN 13: 9780865970113
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 618