The Real Adam Smith: Morality and Markets

The Real Adam Smith: Morality and Markets is a thought-provoking docufilm, taking us deep into the life, thought process, and the consequential impact of one of the most influential economists of all time - Adam Smith.

The film stars Johan Norberg, a Swedish author and historian of ideas, known for his advocacy for classical liberal economics, and Devin Wenig, the former CEO of eBay, giving his insights into Smith's economic theories that impact modern day market systems.

Set against a rich historical backdrop, the film sweeps through High Street, Glasgow, Adam Smith's birthplace, grounding us into Smith's origins. We see how his exceptional intellectual prowess in the 18th century has charted the course for economic thought and designed the foundations of free-market capitalism.

Johan Norberg guides us through Adam Smith's early life, his intimate circle of intellectual associates, and his growing stance as a moral philosopher at the University of Glasgow. The film paints a nuanced portrait of a man who was far more than just an economist - a moral philosopher, a bold critic of commercial society, and an eloquent champion of economic liberty, social justice, and human dignity.

The movie further explores Smith's innovative masterstroke - The Wealth of Nations, which is arguably the first detailed exposition of economic theory. It examines the significant inputs of Smith's work and his profound understanding of the "Invisible Hand" theory, which indicates self-regulating dynamics of the marketplace.

Devin Wenig adds layer upon layer to our understanding of this theory. Exploring its practicality in today's complex trade and industry framework, he elucidates how Smith's concepts continue to influence modern economic growth systems - bitter and sweet. This film ships us through various 21st-century businesses, industrial complexes, commodity exchanges, and the virtual market, understood through the lens of Smith's economic theories.

The Real Adam Smith: Morality and Markets also sheds light on Smith’s Theory of Moral Sentiments. It shows us Smith not only as the figure who lends intellectual legitimacy to free-market capitalism but also as a compassionate character who was deeply concerned about the ethical values and moral consequences of economic actions. It perplexes us with the paradox of a man who, while passionately advocating for free trade and competition, was equally disturbed by the darker sides of commercial sociability.

There's a thorough exploration of this paradox - of how Smith wanted markets to be moral by nature, ensnaring not just economic prosperity, but also social harmony, justice, and human dignity. It goes to great lengths to explain how Smith’s concept of morality was interwoven with his economic notions and how it should ideally function within a free-market framework.

The film draws to a close by analyzing the relevance of Adam Smith’s philosophy in today's world. It invokes provoking questions about the extent to which modern economies have upheld Smith’s ideals. Norberg and Wenig, both, emphasize the intricate balance between macroeconomic growth that free markets enable and the importance of safeguarding social justice and human empathy in uniformity with economic advancement.

The Real Adam Smith: Morality and Markets is a profound cinematic journey, with its beautifully orchestrated story-telling, rich historical detailing, and top-notch expert commentary. This film, through the charismatic anchorages of Johan Norberg and Devin Wenig, does an exemplary job in dissecting the complexity of Adam Smith’s influential works and interpreting them in a modern context.

It is a treasure trove for economics enthusiasts, philosophy lovers, historians, and everyone keen on understanding the intricate matrix of economics, morality, and humanity. Be prepared to be swept by a wave of deep intellectual stimulation, philosophical introspections, and an immersive journey through time while hovering over one of humanity's sharpest minds - Adam Smith.