Econ 210a: Fall 2006: Memo Question for November 8

Memo Question for November 8:

Adam Smith's 1776 Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations is not what we would call a work of "economics." What kind of a book is it? Who do you think its intended audience is? Of what is Smith trying to persuade his audience? Which of the conclusions that Smith reaches--and of which he is trying to persuade his audience--would we think of today as conclusions of "economics"?