680 B
680 B
Public Tranquillity
Definition
The social peace and stability maintained by government through the establishment of economic systems and regulations that are acceptable to the general population, even when those systems may not be economically optimal.
Source Chapter
Book IV, Chapter 5
Context
Smith acknowledges that governments must sometimes establish economic systems that align with popular prejudices rather than economic efficiency, in order to maintain social stability and prevent unrest.
Economic Domain
General Theory