Would Smith Approve of Scottish Independence?: Exploring 18th Century Dependency Theory

• In Event: New Perspectives on the History of Economic Thought

Abstract

The paper questions whether or not Adam Smith would be in favor of the Scottish independence referendum from 2014 and the ongoing arguments made by some members of the Scottish parliament for a new referendum in 2016. It presents the argument of the Scottish National Party and counterarguments of the English Tories and then explores Smith’s ideas about the Union and the Jacobite rebellion. It is argued that Smith uses an economic argument about development, underdevelopment, dependence, and independence based upon the cost of national defense that was established by Charles Davenant in the 17th century. Smith’s view is demonstrated through an exploration of his support of Irish union with Britain and American independence in the Wealth of Nations, the Lectures on Jurisprudence, his correspondence, and other works.

Author

• Aida Ramos, University of Dallas