Dialectic at Work: What was Economics Before Adam Smith?

In this episode of Dialectic at Work, the dialectic explores the history of economic thought from mercantilism to modern capitalism, highlighting how historical contexts shaped economic theories and the role of markets, merchants, and wealth accumulation. The Dialectic at Work is a podcast hosted by Professor Shahram Azhar & Professor Richard Wolff. The show is dedicated to exploring Marxist theory. It employs the dialectical mode of reasoning, a method developed over millennia by Plato and Aristotle, and continues to explore new dimensions of theory and praxis through dialogue. The Marxist dialectic is a revolutionary dialectic that not only seeks to understand the world but also to change it. In our discussions, the dialectic comes into play, aiming to address the pressing life crises that we face as a global community. Follow us for more information on this and other shows we produce. If you haven't already, please subscribe to our channel and join the community of supporters that make all of this possible by signing up on our website: X: @DialecticAtWork Instagram: @DialecticAtWork Tiktok: @DialecticAtWork Website: www.DemocracyAtWork.info Patreon: www.patreon.com/democracyatwork © Democracyatwork.info Inc. 2026 All Rights Reserved