--- title: Dordt professor emeritus reexamines Adam Smith’s moral and economic philosophy in new book date: 2025-01-15T07:12:00-06:00 author: Sarah Moss canonical_url: "https://www.dordt.edu/news/dordt-professor-emeritus-reexamines-adam-smiths-moral-and-economic-philosophy-in-new-book" section: News --- [ View Dordt News](https://www.dordt.edu/news) [Academics](https://www.dordt.edu/news?category=academics) Jan 15, 2025 # Dordt professor emeritus reexamines Adam Smith’s moral and economic philosophy in new book Dr. Jan van Vliet, professor emeritus of economics at Dordt University, has released "Adam Smith," a book in P&R Publishing’s Great Thinkers series that challenges conventional views of Adam Smith, emphasizing his nuanced moral philosophy, vision for human flourishing, and connections to Reformed Christian principles. ![](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/2023-24/jan.vanvliet.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=66&h=57&f=webp&c=3fb332c9&v=ff087d98e745e57b41718e8ab4edf49ff91904ed43822aec75b538842ece4a8d) ![]()Dr. Jan van Vliet, professor emeritus of economics at Dordt University, has recently released his new book, *Adam Smith*. The book is part of P&R Publishing’s Great Thinkers series and can be purchased at [P&R Publishing’s website](https://www.prpbooks.com/book/adam-smith) or that of [Westminster Theological Seminary (Philadelphia) bookstore](https://www.wtsbooks.com/products/adam-smith-9781629954066?srsltid=AfmBOoo0reCugAgJz_ON-ILIg_gh3FcM_GVIZFNwembjwqb2cnPb02xu). In his book, van Vliet challenges the conventional understanding of economist and philosopher Adam Smith, revealing the depth of Smith’s moral philosophy and political economy and its relevance for contemporary society. Van Vliet argues that Smith’s ideas have often been misrepresented and emphasizes Smith’s vision of an economy that fosters human flourishing. Van Vliet’s interest in Adam Smith began over five decades ago, sparked by his studies in economics and Marxism. "My introduction to Smith was through Marxism, and formal economics often presented him in a superficial way," he explains. "Adam Smith has been reduced to oversimplified tropes like ‘the invisible hand’ and ‘laissez-faire’ economics," says van Vliet. "But when you read Smith closely, you find a much more nuanced vision of society—one where moral virtues and government intervention play crucial roles in promoting justice and public welfare." In *Adam Smith*, van Vliet also draws connections between Smith’s philosophy and Reformed Christian principles. “Although Smith’s religious views were complex, much of his moral philosophy resonates with Reformed Christian sensibilities, particularly his focus on the virtues that support human flourishing,” he adds. Van Vliet’s time teaching at Dordt University deeply influenced the development of this book. "I was able to combine my interests in economic thought and Christian theology and philosophy in ways that allowed me to teach students about the responsibility to engage in kingdom-building for human flourishing," says van Vliet. *Adam Smith* offers readers a new perspective on Adam Smith, encouraging them to look beyond simplified interpretations and engage with the philosopher’s ideas in a way that is both intellectually rigorous and practically relevant for today’s world. **About Dordt University** As an institution of higher education committed to the Reformed Christian perspective, Dordt University equips students, faculty, alumni, and the broader community to work toward Christ-centered renewal in all aspects of contemporary life. Located in Sioux Center, Iowa, Dordt is a comprehensive university named to the best college lists by the Wall Street Journal, Times Higher Education, Forbes.com, Washington Monthly, and Princeton Review. --- [Previous Article ![Brick and concrete sign of "Dordt University" is surrounded by prairie grass](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/front-entrance.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=56&h=33&f=webp&c=460ee147&v=05c18acb8bf730fe9d56406fcd2b3f749f7c7b670e0e649e654cbe0f65b606bb) Academics Research and Scholarship Jan 17, 2025 ## Undergraduate research opportunities for summer 2025 through Iowa EPSCoR Chemurgy 2.0 announced Dordt University is among the colleges participating in Iowa EPSCoR Chemurgy 2.0, offering summer undergraduate research opportunities for U.S. citizens enrolled at primarily undergraduate institutions. Read More ](https://www.dordt.edu/news/undergraduate-research-opportunities-for-summer-2025-through-iowa-epscor-chemurgy-2-0-announced) [Next Article ![](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/2023-24/Ceasar.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=56&h=33&f=webp&c=4c1aa78d&v=fa376c0d953202d5110a28638b6abc05a885142b30844bf2689b62ff5eb67661) Arts Jan 13, 2025 ## "Night | Desert | Garden" on display at Dordt University Campus Center Gallery “Night | Desert | Garden,” an art exhibit by painter and graphic designer Matthew Doll, is on display at Dordt University’s Campus Center Art Gallery from January 13 to February 21, featuring thought-provoking paintings inspired by themes of geography, history, and conflict, with a reception on January 30 at 7 p.m. Read More ](https://www.dordt.edu/news/night-desert-garden-on-display-at-dordt-university-campus-center-gallery) [ ![]() ## View All Dordt News View News ](https://www.dordt.edu/news) Aug 19 General #### [International Student Orientation ](https://www.dordt.edu/events/international-student-orientation-2026-08-19) Aug 20 General #### [International Student Orientation ](https://www.dordt.edu/events/international-student-orientation-2026-08-20) Aug 20 Athletics Men's Soccer #### [8/20 8:00 PM Dordt University Men's Soccer at Carroll - Nelson Stadium ](https://www.dordt.edu/events/8-22-100-pm-dordt-university-mens-soccer-at-carroll) ![A picture of campus behind yellow prairie flowers](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/2021-22/Buildings-and-Campus/2021-09-23_001574-1.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=50&h=50&f=webp&c=3d670641&v=d2bdb7cbdc83e5be46d3a10afe8a1214a0e770536697eb0ddbe29e017d2e9577) <![CDATA[YII-BLOCK-BODY-END]]>