2023 is the tercentenary of the birth of Adam Smith. A key pillar of the Scottish Enlightenment, his ideas have had huge influence in economics, law, philosophy and the arts.

This episode of Spotlight brings together some diverse academics at Glasgow – covering a range of disciplines – to chat about Adam Smith and his contribution to these fields.

Dr Craig Smith, Adam Smith Senior Lecturer in the Scottish Enlightenment, is joined by:

Smith was a student, professor and rector of the University of Glasgow. Throughout the year, the University of Glasgow will be running a series of events and activities to spark a renewed conversation about his world-changing ideas and their relevance for the problems of the 21st century.    

The University is very grateful for the support of the John Templeton Foundation for this project.

More information


About Spotlight

UofG Spotlight is a university podcast discussing public policy and the political process – at a local, national and international level – through a Scottish lens. It brings together the very best insights from colleagues from across the University of Glasgow and beyond in an accessible and engaging way. 

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First published: 13 January 2023