ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on Smith's views on human relationships, in particular as they concern his approach to dependencies in the WN. Most economists view economics as a field that develops through applications of 'the scientific method' described in mainstream notions of the philosophy of science. In order to provide a broader exploration of Smith's views on dependency, the views on social dependency and personal relatedness reflected in his Lecture on jurisprudence (LJ) and The Theory of Moral Sentiments (TMS) are analyzed. The chapter analyses the idealization of impersonal interdependence that Smith exhibits in division of labor. It then focuses on his attitude towards social dependence and personal dependence. The chapter provides a synopsis of Smith's personal relations, based upon his biographies as well as some of his own writings. It then discusses a psychoanalytic interpretation of Smith's struggle with dependence in his personal life. The WN shows the usefulness of the market economy.
