Abstract

In this paper we propose a reading of Smith's political philosophy, based on his theory of political obligation, as a critique of contractarianism. The author will reject the hypothesis of the state of nature and the consent of individuals, proposing, instead, a theory based on opinion, but, above all, on the illusion that commercial society will lead us to happiness. We will trace these ideas in three of his most important texts: The Theory of Moral Sentiments, The Wealth of Nations, and the Lectures on Jurisprudence.