T.David Marshall: The Wealth of Nations, Adam Smith

Monday, July 23, 2007

The Wealth of Nations, Adam Smith

I am, as some of you know, in the middle of getting down to work on my thesis for my Masters of Laws degree. But I cannot help but pick up good books when I need a break from Aboriginal issues. Currently, I am at the start of a book I have always wanted to read - The Wealth of Nations. Interestingly, I was given a wonderful copy of this book by my father, who came across a 1911 re-publication of Adam Smith's greatest contribution to the study of political economics. I will, in due course, let you know how the book strikes me. Until then, and perhaps not until after my thesis is completed, we will just have to wait.

To do Good, to Right Wrong, to Serve Man

If those who owed nothing gave nothing, how poor the world would be.

My core interests, and the vast majority of my writing and reading, revolve around the study of ethics, political philosophy and law.

ABOUT ME:

I have lived in Cayuga Ontario, Toronto, Ottawa, Yellowknife NWT, Boston (US), Shanghai (PRC), Sheffield (UK)

I received a BA in Political Science from the University of Waterloo; BA in Law from Carleton University, Certificate in Intermediate Chinese (Mandarin) from Hua Dong Shifen University, Credit in Political Science from Harvard University, LLB from Sheffield Hallam University, and LLM from the University of Ottawa.

I am a member of the Ontario Bar, Brant Law Association, Hamilton Law Association, and Canadian Bar Association

I lecture on Ethics and the importance of "Active Citizenship"

Board Member of Haldimand Community Living, the Heritage Haldimand Committee

Vice-Chair of Heritage Haldimand Committee

My core interests are Political Philosophy, Law, Ethics, Moral Philosophy, and the Philosophy of Education. My specific areas of interest are legal and political obligation, legal duty, moral and ethical duty and responsibility, and social and political structuralism

My favourite writers are John Stuart Mill, Henry David Thoreau, Plato, Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, John Rawls, Isaiah Berlin, Hanna Pitkin, Ghandi, Jean Jacques Rousseau, David Hume and Michael Sandel.

My favourite quote: "Kindness above all" - T. David Marshall (Sr.)., my father, mentor, guide, counsel, and friend.

The vast majority of writings here would not have been possible without his considered guidance, direction, and (before his passing) editing. Thanks to mom and dad.

And last (but not least): Pilot; Occasional Writer; Avid Canoeist and Camper; Photographer; Traveller, brother, son, father, husband and friend.

Recent Books

What Money Can't Buy, the Moral Limits of Markets, by Michael Sandel
Jean J. Rousseau's "Emile"
Judicial Conduct and Accountability, T. David Marshall (Sr.)
The Story of Philosophy, by Wil Durant
Henry David Thoreau's Walden
Thomas Paine, "The Rights of Man"
Thomas Paine's Common Sense, and the Rights of Man
Readings in Social and Political Thought
The Federalist Papers
John Stuart Mill's "Utilitarianism"
Criminal Law in 1962
Origins of inequality, by Jean J. Rousseau
Justice as Fairness, by John Rawls