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Lecture

William Tyler
Economics and Adam Smith

Monday 9.11.2026

How to watch

This lecture starts on 9 November at 5:00pm (UK).

Summary

Adam Smith (1723–1790) was part of the Scottish Enlightenment. He was yet another of the movement’s polymaths, but is best remembered today for his groundbreaking work on economics, The Wealth of Nations (published in 1776). In this presentation we examine the man in the wider context of the Enlightenment, as well as his pioneering analysis of economics.

William Tyler

An image of William Tyler
William Tyler has spent his entire professional life in adult education, beginning at Kingsgate College in 1969. He has lectured widely for many public bodies, including the University of Cambridge and the WEA, in addition to speaking to many clubs and societies. In 2009, William was awarded the MBE for services to adult education, and he has previously been a scholar in residence at the London Jewish Cultural Centre. Link to William’ s blog with recommended book lists for his Lockdown lectures.