The Wealth of Nations · Character

David Hume

Philosopher and friend of Smith, cited on economics.

minor

Also known as Hume, Mr. Hume, Hume

First appearance: introduction and plan of the work

David Hume shows up with force in Editor's Introduction. The page is where that presence becomes real.

His Political Discourses on Money and the Balance of Trade (1752) influenced Smith's views on mercantile fallacies.

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In Editor's Introduction: His Political Discourses on Money and the Balance of Trade (1752) influenced Smith's views on mercantile fallacies. Later, in III: Of the Variations in the Proportion Between the Respective…

In Editor's Introduction: His Political Discourses on Money and the Balance of Trade (1752) influenced Smith's views on mercantile fallacies.

Later, in III: Of the Variations in the Proportion Between the Respective Values of That Sort of Produce Which Always Affords Rent, and of That Which Sometimes Does and Sometimes Does Not Afford Rent: Cited for his observation that in Saxon times the fleece was valued at two-fifths of the whole sheep.

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See David Hume in introduction and plan of the work

Character Web

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Diverse authorities and generic roles
Ancient authorities and examples
Protagonist
English monarchs and economic policy

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Closing

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Editor's Introduction
His Political Discourses on Money and the Balance of Trade (1752) influenced Smith's views on mercantile fallacies.
III: Of the Variations in the Proportion Between the Respective Values of That Sort of Produce Which Always Affords Rent, and of That Which Sometimes Does and Sometimes Does Not Afford Rent
Cited for his observation that in Saxon times the fleece was valued at two-fifths of the whole sheep.
Different Effects of the Progress of Improvement Upon Three Different Sorts of Rude Produce
Cited for his observation on the value of fleece in Saxon times.
Third Sort
Cited for his observation on the value of fleece in Saxon times.
Of Stock Lent at Interest
Cited as having fully exposed the fallacy that the increase of gold and silver caused the lowering of interest rates.
How the Commerce of the Towns Contributed to the Improvement of the Country
Cited as the only writer who noted that commerce and manufactures introduced order and good government.
Endnotes
Referenced in editorial notes on population estimates and trade.

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See David Hume in introduction and plan of the work

See David Hume in Editor's Introduction