Adam Smith on justice and the needs of the poor

John Salter

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

The paper critically discusses some recent contributions to the literature that argue that Smith incorporated the needs of the poor within his account of justice. Three specific claims are examined and rejected: that Smith blurred the traditional distinction between perfect and imperfect rights; that he endorsed the doctrine of the right of necessity; and that he maintained that all people have a natural right to subsistence. © 2012 The History of Economics Society.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)559-575
Number of pages16
JournalJournal of the History of Economic Thought
Volume34
Issue number4
Early online date14 Nov 2012
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Dec 2012

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