Adam Smith and the Division of Labour among the Social Sciences

2011 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 81-94 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tony Aspromourgos
Keyword(s):  
Social Sciences ◽  
Adam Smith ◽  
Division Of Labour ◽  
The Social

THE EARLY MODERN ORIGINS OF BEHAVIORAL ECONOMICS

2020 ◽  
Vol 37 (1) ◽  
pp. 30-54
Author(s):  
Richard Boyd
Keyword(s):  
Social Sciences ◽  
Early Modern ◽  
Cognitive Biases ◽  
Adam Smith ◽  
Francis Bacon ◽  
Economic Rationality ◽  
Homo Economicus ◽  
Behavioral Psychology ◽  
Human Conduct ◽  
The Social

AbstractFor all the recent discoveries of behavioral psychology and experimental economics, the spirit of homo economicus still dominates the contemporary disciplines of economics, political science, and sociology. Turning back to the earliest chapters of political economy, however, reveals that pioneering figures such as Francis Bacon, Thomas Hobbes, and Adam Smith were hardly apostles of economic rationality as they are often portrayed in influential narratives of the development of the social sciences. As we will see, while all three of these thinkers can plausibly be read as endorsing “rationality,” they were also well aware of the systematic irrationality of human conduct, including a remarkable number of the cognitive biases later “discovered” by contemporary behavioral economists. Building on these insights I offer modest suggestions for how these thinkers, properly understood, might carry the behavioral revolution in different directions than those heretofore suggested.

Rationality and social norms

1991 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
pp. 109-129 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jon Elster
Keyword(s):  
Social Sciences ◽  
Social Norms ◽  
Adam Smith ◽  
Instrumental Rationality ◽  
Emile Durkheim ◽  
Inertial Forces ◽  
Social Forces ◽  
Homo Economicus ◽  
The Social

One of the most persisting cleavages in the social sciences is the opposition between two lines of thought conveniently associated with Adam Smith and Émile Durkheim, between homo economicus and homo sociologicus. Of these, the former is supposed to be guided by instrumental rationality, while the behavior of the latter is dictated by social norms. The former is ‘pulled’ by the prospect of future rewards, whereas the latter is ‘pushed’ from behind by quasi-inertial forces (Gambetta 1987). The former adapts to changing circumstances, always on the lookout for improvements. The latter is insensitive to circumstances, adhering to the prescribed behavior even if new and apparently better options become available. The former is easily caricatured as a self-contained, asocial atom, and the latter as the mindless plaything of social forces. In this paper I characterize this contrast more fully, and discuss attempts to reduce norm-oriented action to some type of optimizing behavior.

Political Traditionalism in Nigeria: a Case-Study of Secret Societies and Dance Groups in Local Government

Africa ◽  
1972 ◽  
Vol 42 (4) ◽  
pp. 289-304 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alvin Magid
Keyword(s):  
Social Sciences ◽  
Decision Making ◽  
Local Government ◽  
Division Of Labour ◽  
Political Life ◽  
Secret Societies ◽  
The Social ◽  
Opening Paragraph ◽  
Dance Groups

Opening ParagraphThe notion that rural political life is essentially traditional tribal in Africa and therefore scarcely relevant to modern decision-making at higher echelons of government has had a commanding influence in African studies. Associated with this viewpoint has been a tacit division of labour in the social sciences which emphasizes the pre-eminence of anthropology in the tribal domain and the pre-occupation of political science with macropolitics especially in the urban sphere. Happily, a younger generation of political scientists has emerged in recent years to challenge an essentially artificial arrangement.

Adam Smith and the Buddha

2018 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
pp. 3-39 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ronald Wintrobe
Keyword(s):  
Social Sciences ◽  
Adam Smith ◽  
Zen Buddhism ◽  
The Core ◽  
Human Happiness ◽  
The Social ◽  
Way Of Thinking ◽  
Economic Thinking ◽  
The Buddha ◽  
Simple Economic

Economics is a powerful way of thinking. While there may occasionally be major errors in its application, at its core the principles of economics remain the strongest paradigm in the social sciences. Buddhism is also a powerful way of thinking. The central question in Buddhist philosophy is the same as that in economics: what is the key to human happiness? How can human suffering be reduced? But the answer to this question in the Buddhist way of thinking is exactly the opposite of that given by economics. Can Adam Smith learn from the Buddha? Can Buddhism learn from economics? This essay explores these topics. I first present an interpretation of what I take to be the core of Buddhist thinking in economic terms, and then show how that could be incorporated into economic thinking, and how economics would change as a result. I then try to do the reverse, and show how the economic way of thinking can clarify Buddhist thinking. I apply simple economic theory to develop a model of rational Zen Buddhism.

scholarly journals QUARENTA ANOS DE UMA ELEGIA: FRANCISCO DE OLIVEIRA E O NORDESTE

Caderno CRH ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 31 (84) ◽  
pp. 555
Author(s):  
Flávio Da Silva Mendes
Keyword(s):  
Social Sciences ◽  
Key Words ◽  
Division Of Labour ◽  
Northeast Brazil ◽  
Left Wing ◽  
The Social ◽  
Classic Essay ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Regional Problems ◽  
Sciences Sociales

<p><span>Em 2017 completaram-se quarenta anos da publicação de </span><em>Elegia para uma re(li)gião</em><span>, de Francisco de Oliveira. Dedicado a analisar a trajetória da Superintendência de Desenvolvimento do Nordeste (SUDENE), da qual o sociólogo fez parte entre 1959 e 1964, o texto se tornou uma referência para o debate sobre a questão regional no Brasil. Além da crítica ao modelo de desenvolvimento que guiou a atuação da SUDENE, sobretudo durante a ditadura, </span><em>Elegia</em><span>expõe os impactos do “milagre econômico” sobre o Nordeste e as mudanças na divisão regional do trabalho do país. O texto exprime, também, a visão de uma parte dos intelectuais de esquerda sobre aquela conjuntura social e econômica. A partir da análise dos principais argumentos utilizados pelo autor e do debate sobre o clima que envolveu a elaboração do ensaio, este artigo tem o objetivo de relembrar seu impacto sobre as ciências sociais brasileiras dos anos 1970 e, por fim, refletir brevemente sobre sua atualidade.</span></p><p>FORTY YEARS OF AN ELEGIA: Francisco de Oliveira and the Northeast</p><p>The classic essay of Francisco de Oliveira, <em>Elegia para uma re(li)gião</em> were completed forty years in 2017. Dedicated to analyse the trajectory of SUDENE - Superintendência de Desenvolvimento do Nordeste, where the sociologist worked between 1959 and 1964, the paper became a reference for the debates on the regional problems in Brazil. Oliveira criticizes the model of development that guided SUDENE’s activities, especially during the dictatorship. He shows the impact of “milagre econômico” on Northeast and the changes in regional division of labour in the country. The essay expresses also the opinions of some left wing intellectuals about the social and economic situations. From the analysis of Oliveira’s main arguments and the debate on the atmosphere surrounding the essay’s creation, this article aims to remind the essay’s impact on Brazilian social sciences in the 1970s and, finally, briefly reflect on its importance for the present.</p><p><strong>Key words: </strong>SUDENE; Oliveira, Francisco de; Northeast - Brazil; Developmentalism; Dictatorship</p><div><p class="trans-title">QUARANTE ANS D’ÉLEGIE: Francisco de Oliveira et le nord-est</p><p>La publication du livre <em>Elegia para uma re(li)gião</em>, de Francisco de Oliveira, va faire quarante ans en 2017. Dedié a analiser la trajectoire de la SUDENE, où le sociologue a travaillé entre 1959 et 1964, le texte est devenu une référence pour le debat sur la question regionale au Brésil. Au-delà de la critique au modèle de développement qui a guidé les actions de la SUDENE, surtout pendant la dictature, <em>Elegia</em> montre l’impact du “<em>milagre econômico</em>” sur le Nord-est brésilien et les changements dans la division régionale du travail du pays. Le texte exprime, aussi, la vision d’une partie des intellectuels de gauche sur la situation social et économique. D’après l’anayse des principaux arguments utilisés par l’auteur et du débat sur le climat qui a encouragé la création du livre, cet article vise à rappeler sont impact sur les sciences sociales au Brésil pendant les annés 1970 et, enfin, réfléchir brièvement sur sa pertinence.</p><p><strong>Key words: </strong>SUDENE; Oliveira, Francisco de; Nord-est - Brésil; Développementisme; Dictature</p></div>

The Ethics of Capitalism

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel Halliday ◽  
John Thrasher
Keyword(s):  
Social Sciences ◽  
Karl Marx ◽  
Adam Smith ◽  
Economic Status ◽  
Moral Foundations ◽  
Basic Income ◽  
Market Society ◽  
Market Order ◽  
The Social ◽  
Significant Figures

This book acquaints the reader with arguments for the moral foundations of market society, as well as the applications of these arguments. Broadly, the book encourages a distinction between capitalism construed as an ideal rather than as a label for the economic status quo and its associated injustices. These foundational arguments are compared with arguments in favor of socialism. Special attention is paid to historically significant figures such as Adam Smith, John Stuart Mill, Karl Marx, and F.A. Hayek. Later chapters deal with more specific and contemporary themes. These include problems not fully foreseen by historic proponents of market order, such as the challenges of climate change, competitive consumption, and the need for an institutionalized order for global trade. Other chapters focus on institutions familiar to most market societies, such as a welfare state, as well as alternatives, such as basic income. Overall, the book seeks to both revisit historically influential arguments for capitalism while also seeking to examine how these historical views stand up to contemporary challenges of economic justice. The book is written primarily for an audience of undergraduates (including majors in the humanities and the social sciences). But it would also be useful for anyone seeking a summary of major themes in political economy, particularly those with moral significance.

scholarly journals Social Norms and Economic Theory

1989 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
pp. 99-117 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jon Elster
Keyword(s):  
Social Sciences ◽  
Economic Theory ◽  
Social Norms ◽  
Adam Smith ◽  
Emile Durkheim ◽  
Homo Economicus ◽  
The Social ◽  
Self Interest ◽  
Common Interests ◽  
Genetic Fitness

One of the most persistent cleavages in the social sciences is the opposition between two lines of thought conveniently associated with Adam Smith and Emile Durkheim, between homo economicus and homo sociologicus. Of these, the former is supposed to be guided by instrumental rationality, while the behavior of the latter is dictated by social norms. In this paper I characterize this contrast more fully, and discuss attempts by economists to reduce normoriented action to some type of optimizing behavior. Social norms, as I understand them here, are emotional and behavioral propensities of individuals. Are norms rationalizations of self-interest? Are norms followed out of self-interest? Do norms exist to promote self-interest? Do norms exist to promote common interests? Do norms exist to promote genetic fitness?

scholarly journals Editorial Note

1987 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. v-vi
Author(s):  
Mushtaqur Rahman
Keyword(s):  
Social Sciences ◽  
Social Science ◽  
Adam Smith ◽  
The Other ◽  
Editorial Note ◽  
Way Of Life ◽  
Social Scientists ◽  
Ibn Khaldun ◽  
The Social ◽  
Islamic Thought

The complex and bewildering variety of issues and problems facing thepresent-day Muslims have made them singularly hard pressed to develop rationalstrategies and efficient policies. The intensity and multiplicity of demandshave increased to such an extent that in recent years efforts to Islamizeknowledge or recreate a Muslim way of life needs congruent thinking andprudent planning.In thinking about this question, at least two issues of adaptability and sustainabilitytake the front stage. Adaptability would mean that Islamic socialsciences and cultural habits should be sought out and adopted. This way wouldnot be an imposition of alien models or values, but a reversion to the Qur'anand Sunnah for knowledge and guidance. Once adopted, either from traditionalor modem Islamized social science, it ought to be maintained againstall odds.The American Journal of Islamic Social Sciences has been trying for thelast four years to initiate such changes in the social and individual behavior,and Islamize the knowledge with the assistance of the International Instituteof Islamic Thought and the Association of Muslim Social Scientists. Mypredecesssor, Sulayman Nyang, left such a strong record of service that wouldbe difficult for anyone to meet. I was conscious of this challenge when I wasasked and accepted to succeed him. I knew of course that I could always counton his support to maintain the Journal at the same standard, if not higher.This issue has three sections. Section one includes two papers on mattersconcerning the Islamic Thought. The first paper by Ahmad Zaki Hammadpresents Ghazali's approach to usul-al-Jiqh, divided into three elements: (i)ahkam, (ii) adilla (source), and (iii) mujtahid.. . .Of these three, the paperprovides broader explanation only of ahkams, leaving the other two for subsequentpresentations. The second paper by Bogdan Meckowski compares IbnKhaldun with Adam Smith, and other modern economists, giving Ibn Khaldunthe prominent place he deserves. With remarkable skill, Mieckowski establishesthat Ibn Khaldun favored laissez-faire, and opposed a socialized or monopolisticproduction. Accordq to Mieckowski, most modern economists borrow heavilyfrom Ibn Khaldun without acknowledging or crediting him in their works ...

scholarly journals Adam’s Smith’s Concept of a Great Society and its Timeliness

2019 ◽  
Vol 57 (1) ◽  
pp. 175-190
Author(s):  
Janina Godłów-Legiędź
Keyword(s):  
Social Order ◽  
Political System ◽  
Adam Smith ◽  
Division Of Labour ◽  
The Political ◽  
Great Society ◽  
Small Communities ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
The Social ◽  
Economic Philosophy

Abstract The article aims to present the concepts of Adam Smith which are important considering the current disputes over liberalism, as well as the challenge that is the maintenance of the world’s economic order. Firstly, the article analyses the significance of the division of labour which is perceived as a fundamental premise for transitioning from small communities and face-to-face exchanges to the impersonal exchange and the expanded social order in which relations with strangers become meaningful. Secondly, the present work indicates that Smith did not neglect the matter of justice when proclaiming the need for freedom. He believed that efficient functioning of the market depends on the political system and a man’s ethical system, and his criticism of interventionism was not directed against the state as an institution co-creating the social order, but against the act of granting special privileges to certain interest groups. Thirdly, the article refers to the concept of coordination described by Scottish moral philosophers and the so-called Smith Problem. In this context, the article presents arguments against the assumption that John Nash’s theory provided proof of the erroneous nature of Adam Smith’s concepts. Arguments in favour of the timelessness of the economic philosophy of the father of economics are also drawn from Vernon Smith’s experimental economy and the research of evolutionary psychologists.

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