Dordt professor emeritus reexamines Adam Smith’s moral and economic philosophy in new book

Dr. Jan van Vliet, professor emeritus of economics at Dordt University, has recently released his new book, Adam Smith.

The book is part of P&R Publishing’s Great Thinkers series and can be purchased at P&R Publishing’s website or that of Westminster Theological Seminary (Philadelphia) bookstore.

In his book, van Vliet challenges the conventional understanding of economist and philosopher Adam Smith, revealing the depth of Smith’s moral philosophy and political economy and its relevance for contemporary society. Van Vliet argues that Smith’s ideas have often been misrepresented and emphasizes Smith’s vision of an economy that fosters human flourishing.

Van Vliet’s interest in Adam Smith began over five decades ago, sparked by his studies in economics and Marxism. "My introduction to Smith was through Marxism, and formal economics often presented him in a superficial way," he explains. "Adam Smith has been reduced to oversimplified tropes like ‘the invisible hand’ and ‘laissez-faire’ economics," says van Vliet. "But when you read Smith closely, you find a much more nuanced vision of society—one where moral virtues and government intervention play crucial roles in promoting justice and public welfare."

In Adam Smith, van Vliet also draws connections between Smith’s philosophy and Reformed Christian principles. “Although Smith’s religious views were complex, much of his moral philosophy resonates with Reformed Christian sensibilities, particularly his focus on the virtues that support human flourishing,” he adds.

Van Vliet’s time teaching at Dordt University deeply influenced the development of this book. "I was able to combine my interests in economic thought and Christian theology and philosophy in ways that allowed me to teach students about the responsibility to engage in kingdom-building for human flourishing," says van Vliet.

Adam Smith offers readers a new perspective on Adam Smith, encouraging them to look beyond simplified interpretations and engage with the philosopher’s ideas in a way that is both intellectually rigorous and practically relevant for today’s world.

About Dordt University

As an institution of higher education committed to the Reformed Christian perspective, Dordt University equips students, faculty, alumni, and the broader community to work toward Christ-centered renewal in all aspects of contemporary life. Located in Sioux Center, Iowa, Dordt is a comprehensive university named to the best college lists by the Wall Street Journal, Times Higher Education, Forbes.com, Washington Monthly, and Princeton Review.