Adam Smith Business School

Adam Smith Tercentenary launch

Bringing Adam Smith’s ideas and legacy into conversations around contemporary issues

10 June 2023, 9:00am - 4:30pm

Hunter Halls, Gilbert Scott Building, University of Glasgow

Join us for a day of talks, panel discussions, theatre activities and music to commemorate the 300th anniversary of the birth of Adam Smith.

Smith is one of the pillars of the Scottish Enlightenment and is widely regarded as the founder of modern economics. But his influence stretches far beyond economics, into the worlds of commerce, policy, law and philosophy.

In the spirit of the enlightenment, on the 10 June 2023, we’ll be discussing and debating Smith’s legacy with panellists from around the world. Scholars and practitioners from Harvard, Princeton, Chicago, the LSE, Cambridge, Duke and – of course – Glasgow will be debating his relevance for today’s global challenges and political discourse.

Panel discussions will include topics such as:

• The History of Smith: Why Scotland? Why Glasgow?
• Smith’s Economics: Would Smith be surprised by today’s modern economy?
• Smith’s Political Economy: What can we learn from Smith about today’s political and policy debates?

Alongside panel discussions, there will be a theatrical performance of the life of Adam Smith and the first public performance of a new piece of music commissioned for the tercentenary composed by University of Glasgow alumni Helen MacKinnon. 

There will be a specially curated display of some of the University of Glasgow’s world class collection of Adam Smith related books and manuscripts. Preserved in the University’s Archives & Special Collections, this will be a one-off opportunity for delegates and the public to see important and rare archival artefacts that provide a unique insight into the life, work and influences of Adam Smith. This mini exhibition will include original correspondence from Adam Smith; rare editions of his seminal works - including a first edition of ‘The Wealth of Nations’; handwritten eighteenth- century student notes of his University lectures, and more! Collection experts and archivists from the library will be on hand between 12.45 and 14.45 pm to introduce the material and chat to delegates about the items on show.

Lunch and a reception will all be provided.

Join us for what will be a once in 300-year event.

Keynote speakers and panellists

1. Professor Anne Case
2. Professor Diane Coyle
3. Professor Sir John Kay
4. Dr Adam Posen
5. Ms Jo Swinson CBE
6. Dr Craig Smith
7. Professor Maria Pia Paganelli
8. Professor Benjamin Friedman
9. Professor Ryan Hanley
10. Professor Mary Morgan
11. Professor Doug Irwin
12. Dr Glory Liu
13. Professor Randall Kroszner
14. Professor Steve Medema

Register on Eventbrite now - Adam Smith 300 Symposium

 

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Further information: business-events@glasgow.ac.uk  

First published: 15 February 2023