Published Nov 6, 2017

Dennis Rasmussen on Hume and Smith and The Infidel and the Professor

Dennis Rasmussen explores the profound intellectual partnership between David Hume and Adam Smith, shedding light on how their friendship influenced morality, political economy, and their reputations through commerce and religion, while comparing Hume's optimism with Smith's nuanced views on societal impacts.

Episode Highlights

Topics covered

Episode Highlights

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Dexa/Russ Roberts

Dennis Rasmussen on Hume and Smith and The Infidel and the Professor

Topics covered

Popular Clips

Hume's Influence

The Causal Era

Time Traveling with Thinkers

Smith's Reticence

Religion and Belief

Pursuit of Wealth

The Adam Smith Connection

The Path to Being Loved

The Wealth of Nations Anticipated

Hume's Controversial Tribute

The Circle of Extraordinary Minds

A Distant Friendship

Smith's Views on Commercial Society

Views on Commerce

Smith and Hume's Friendship

Episode Highlights

Smith and Hume

Economic Theories

Religious Views

Related Episodes

James Otteson on Adam Smith

Vernon Smith and James Otteson on Adam Smith

Vernon Smith on Rationality in Economics

Dan Klein on The Theory of Moral Sentiments, Episode 2--A Discussion of Part I

Nicholas Phillipson on Adam Smith

Dan Klein on The Theory of Moral Sentiments, Episode 1--An Overview

Dan Klein on The Theory of Moral Sentiments, Episode 4--A Discussion of Part III

Dan Klein on The Theory of Moral Sentiments, Episode 6--A Discussion of Parts VI and VII, and Summary

Vernon Smith on Adam Smith and the Human Enterprise

Russ Roberts and Michael Munger on How Adam Smith Can Change Your Life

Vernon Smith on Markets and Experimental Economics

Dan Klein on The Theory of Moral Sentiments, Episode 3--A Discussion of Part II

Dan Klein on The Theory of Moral Sentiments, Episode 5--A Discussion of Parts III (cont.), IV, and V

Michael Munger on How Adam Smith Solved the Trolley Problem

John Ralston Saul on Reason, Elites, and Voltaire's Bastards

Dennis Rasmussen on Hume and Smith and The Infidel and the Professor

Topics covered

Popular Clips

Episode Highlights

Smith and HumeDennis Rasmussen examines the intellectual synergy between David Hume and Adam Smith, highlighting how their friendship shaped pivotal ideas in morality and political economy. He delves into their personal dynamics and the lasting impact of their philosophical exchanges.

Smith and Hume

Economic TheoriesThe discussion explores the differing perspectives of David Hume and Adam Smith on commerce and its societal impacts. While Hume views commerce as overwhelmingly positive, Smith acknowledges its benefits but also highlights potential drawbacks and the need for mitigation.

Economic Theories

Religious ViewsThe public expressions of religious beliefs by David Hume and Adam Smith significantly shaped their reputations and philosophical legacies. Dennis Rasmussen explores how their differing approaches to religion influenced their careers and the controversies they faced.

Religious Views

Related Episodes