A is for… Adam Smith [ABC Sundae]

Adam Smith (1723-1790), considered by many to be the the father of modern economics, is probably Glasgow University’s most famous son (at least according to the Social Sciences Faculty). The University has a building, a library, a chair and a research foundation named in his honour. The Adam Smith library is located in the Adam Smith Building. Just to avoid any confusion, the chair is not a physical chair, but an academic post of Political Economy, referred to as the Adam Smith Chair, currently held by Professor Ronald MacDonald.

Adam Smith entered Glasgow University at the age of 14. During his time at Glasgow University he was was appointed Professor of Logic in 1751, Professor of Moral Philosophy in 1752, and he was elected Rector from 1787 to 1789. 2009 marked the 250th anniversary of the publication of Adam Smith’s Theory of Moral Sentiments which was based on his lectures on Ethics. The University held a seminar on Adam Smith called Smith in Glasgow ’09 between March 31st and April 2nd.

Adam Smith, being one of the most celebrated alumnus of Glasgow University, is a fitting subject to kick off ABC Sundae, a fortnightly theme day highlighting important people and objects and history of Glasgow University. More information about Adam Smith can be found at the University of Glasgow Story website, where most of the information above comes from. The site also contains information on alumni who graduated from the University between 1451 and 1896.

The photo above is from the Memorial Gates outside the Main Building (which is visible in the background.)

ABC Sundae is a fortnightly theme day, occurring every other Sunday, one letter of the alphabet at a time. Click here for more ABC Sundae.

As Freshers’ Week ’09 is just around the corner, help me out by having your say in the poll below!

[Poll #4: Which Student Union(s) do you belong to (or use to belong to)?]
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