아담 스미스의 자유주의 교육관

Abstract

How did Adam Smith(1723-1790) maintain a liberal position in education? Driven by this question the paper examines the connection of his economic doctrine with his educational theory, bringing his liberal-individualist framework into the focus. The assumption here is that Smith was an exponent of liberty not only in manufacturing and commerce but in education. The case proceeds with an educational reading of the Wealth of Nations(1776), yet since he was also a child of his time I first make a biographical sketch of Smith while reading John Rae’s classic Life of Adam Smith(1895). It is followed by an analysis of Smith’s laissez-faire philosophy of education with a special reference to his approval of freedom in education. In this connection I further ask in what sense Smith believed that liberty was better conducive to education. The paper closes with a consideration of the present meaning of Smith’s defence for liberty in education. At its core is the contention that the significance of his case in today’s market-favored world lies in his attempt to justify the educational transformation of the market forces like freedom, competition, and choice.