Evaluation of Adam Smith’s opinions in the context of economic justice

Abstract

In this study, the issues addressed are examined in the context of the concept of economic justice in the works of Adam Smith who is considered the founder of the Classical School. Smith has gained a reputation for himself with his intellectual knowledge and studies in the field of economics in Britain and hence all over the world. In an age when the colonialist empire mentality and overprotective trade mentality adorned with mercantilist policies were at their peak, his handling of basic issues such as free trade, labor market, opposition to monopolies and his works on economic justice contain information worth examining. For this purpose, Smith’s life and major works are discussed first. Then, his evaluations on justice and economic justice are examined. His most notable works, The Theory of Moral Sentiments and The Wealth of Nations are analyzed from the perspective of economic justice, taking into account the perspectives of various researchers working on them.