Contents

Author Note vi

Acknowledgements vii

1.Introduction 1

2. Methodological Approach 7

3. Smith’s Epistemology:

Meaning, Context and the Nature of Science 25

4. Metascientific Perspectives: The Individual and Society 51

5. Specialisation and Social Change: The Division of Labour 72

6. Riot, Debauchery and the Science of a Legislator 92

7. Purposive Action and Unintended Consequences 127

8. Economic Concepts and Historical Dynamics 146

9. Conclusion 178

Index 184