Abstract

Eric Schliesser

The Importance of Smith’s Engagement with Plato’s Laws

Smith is often treated as a latter-day Stoic. And Plato's thought is usually contrasted with Smith.  Nevertheless, I shall argue that Plato's Laws (mentioned in both TMS and WN) is a relevant source of Smith's thought.  Book III of the Laws can usefully be read as a model for Smith's 'conjectural history' and Books I-II develop a moral psychology with close affinities to Smith's impartial spectator.  For the late Plato, as for Smith, even the wholly passion-driven human being can be a model of wisdom and virtue.  And for both Plato and Smith, it is important to develop social institutions that can cultivate moral virtue as well as (when possible) philosophical excellence.