Original version

BBC Radio 4 FM

BBC Radio 4 is a radio channel that started transmitting on the 30th September 1967. It replaced BBC Home Service.

BBC Radio 4

Radio 4

Radio 4 (FM)

Migrated podcast image for: A History of Ideas

A History of Ideas

Documentaries

Factual

Factual: History

Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss the work of key philosophers and their theories.

BBC Radio 4 LW

A History of Ideas: Economist Kate Barker on the Free Market

How Should We Live Together?

22/07/2015

Economist Kate Barker on the Free Market

BBC Radio 4 - A History of Ideas, Economist Kate Barker on the Free Market

Is a free market the best foundation for a fair, dynamic society?

Is a free market the best foundation for a fair society and a dynamic economy? Economist Kate Barker searches the work of Adam Smith for answers.

Is a Free Market the vital foundation of a fair, dynamic and creative society? The father of economics, Adam Smith certainly thought so. Since the publication of 'The Wealth of Nations' in 1776 Smith's thoughts on trade and money-making have come to be seen as the theoretical foundations of a rational and rather uncaring form of pure capitalism.

Economist, Dame Kate Barker is keen to put the soul back into Smith, revealing the staunch moral principles that underlined his view of a fair and just capitalist society. She wants to measure today's markets against the standards set by the sage of the Scottish Enlightenment. Would Britain's markets in groceries, homes or financial services bring a smile to Smith's stern visage? 

Kate is joined in her quest by Smith's latest biographer Jesse Norman, by housing market analyst Yolande Barnes and by Christine Tacon, the government's grocery market regulator.

This is part of a week of programmes examining how we should live together.

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

Accessibility links

Programme Index

A History of Ideas

Economist Kate Barker on the Free Market

Genres

Formats

Brand

BBC Radio 4 FM

About BBC Radio 4