Food for Thought with Dr Mark Skousen
17 June 2026, 12:30 pm – 2:00 pm
Location: Institute of Economic Affairs, 2 Lord North Street, London SW1P 3LB
Think tank: Institute of Economic Affairs
This event hosted by UK think tank the Institute of Economic Affairs discusses ‘The Genius of Adam Smith’ and how he solved the ‘invisible hand’ paradox.
About the Discussion
Dr. Skousen’s presentation will be based on IEA’s Discussion Paper #147, ‘The Genius of Adam Smith,’and how he solved the ‘invisible hand’ paradox, how private actions of individuals can lead to the public benefit. He will argue that Adam Smith was a revolutionary on many levels, and why certain parts of his books ‘The Wealth of Nations’ and ‘The Theory of Moral Sentiments’ include parts that might be supportive of differing political philosophers, but actually are consistent with his ‘system of natural liberty’.
About the Speaker
Mark Skousen, Ph.D., is known as “America’s Economist.” He holds the Doti-Spogli Chair of Free Enterprise at Chapman University, and editor of monthly investment newsletter, The Skousen Report. He is the author of 25 books, including “The Making of Modern Economics.” He has taught economics, business and finance at Columbia Business School. He is also the producer of FreedomFest, billed as “The World’s Fair of Liberty,” held every July in Las Vegas.
About the Series
This will be the next instalment in our monthly Food for Thought series, hosted in partnership with the Vinson Centre at the University of Buckingham. The purpose of this series is to foster high-level academic discussion on themes within the classical liberal tradition, touching on economics, philosophy, history, law, and related disciplines. In turn, we hope to form a community of academics, policymakers, professionals, and students united by the exchange of ideas and life-long learning.
