The Infidel and the Professor

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Discover the captivating narrative of 'The Infidel and the Professor', a remarkable exploration of the enduring friendship between two of history's greatest thinkers, David Hume and Adam Smith. This engaging book delves into how their philosophical camaraderie shaped modern thought, making it essential reading for anyone fascinated by Enlightenment philosophy, economics, and the evolution of ideas. With its unique perspective, this trade binding edition invites readers to witness the dynamic interplay between skepticism and moral philosophy that defined an era.

Set against the backdrop of Enlightenment Scotland, 'The Infidel and the Professor' chronicles Hume's transition from being labeled 'the Great Infidel' due to his controversial views, to becoming a revered figure in English philosophy. In contrast, Adam Smith, considered the father of capitalism, navigated the contrasting landscape of moral philosophy during their friendship. The book intricately details their extensive correspondence, collaborative discussions, and mutual influence, from their initial meeting in 1749 until Hume's passing in 1776.

As you delve into this narrative, discover Hume and Smith's shared social circle, their intellectual exchanges, and how their debates on religion, economics, and politics fueled transformative ideas that resonate today. This pivotal account sheds light on lesser-known aspects of their lives and beliefs, making it an indispensable addition to any philosophy or economics enthusiast's library.

Note: Shipping for this item is free. Please allow up to 6 weeks for delivery. Once your order is placed, it cannot be cancelled. Condition: BRAND NEW ISBN: 9780691177014 Format: Trade binding Year: 2017 Publisher: Princeton University Press.

Note: Shipping for this item is free. Please allow up to 6 weeks for delivery. Once your order is placed, it cannot be cancelled..

Condition: BRAND NEW
ISBN: 9780691177014
Format: Trade binding
Year: 2017
Publisher: Princeton University Press


Description:


The story of the greatest of all philosophical friendships--and how it influenced modern thought David Hume is widely regarded as the most important philosopher ever to write in English, but during his lifetime he was attacked as "the Great Infidel" for his skeptical religious views and deemed unfit to teach the young. In contrast, Adam Smith was a revered professor of moral philosophy, and is now often hailed as the founding father of capitalism. Remarkably, the two were best friends for most of their adult lives, sharing what Dennis Rasmussen calls the greatest of all philosophical friendships. The Infidel and the Professor is the first book to tell the fascinating story of the friendship of these towering Enlightenment thinkers--and how it influenced their world-changing ideas. The book follows Hume and Smith's relationship from their first meeting in 1749 until Hume's death in 1776. It describes how they commented on each other's writings, supported each other's careers and literary ambitions, and advised each other on personal matters, most notably after Hume's quarrel with Jean-Jacques Rousseau.
Members of a vibrant intellectual scene in Enlightenment Scotland, Hume and Smith made many of the same friends (and enemies), joined the same clubs, and were interested in many of the same subjects well beyond philosophy and economics--from psychology and history to politics and Britain's conflict with the American colonies. The book reveals that Smith's private religious views were considerably closer to Hume's public ones than is usually believed. It also shows that Hume contributed more to economics--and Smith contributed more to ph

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