Abstract

It is generally known that natural theology forms one part of Adam Smith's system of moral philosophy. However, we do not know much about his natural theology since there is an absolute lack of the primary source materials. The general practice has substituted "Deism" for Smith's natural theology. As an alternative to the standard practice, this study attempts to reconstruct Smith's natural theology. ;In the first two chapters, general methodological problems concerning Smith's natural theology are discussed. We take notice of the historical importance of Francis Hutcheson and Dugald Stewart in regard to the interrelation between moral theory and natural theology for understanding Smith's natural theology. ;In chapter three, a preparatory frame of reference is formed as the basic apparatus for the reconstruction of smith's natural theology. The inquiry into the interrelation between natural theology and moral theory in the case of Hutcheson and Stewart forms the groundwork for the reconstruction of Smith's natural theology in the context of moral theory. ;In chapter four, on the basis of Smith's moral theory, Smith's natural theology will be reconstructed by applying the preparatory frame of reference to the specific context of moral theory where both Hutcheson and Stewart dealt with natural theology. After reconstructing Smith's natural theology, Smith's moral theory is reformulated from the viewpoint of natural theology. ;In chapter five, on the basis of Smith's natural theology, the basic structure of Smith's understanding of political economy is examined and the influence of Smith's understanding of natural theology upon the formation of the basic framework of political economy, the Wealth of Nations is revealed. ;This study is no more than a first attempt at reconstructing Smith's natural theology. But it demonstrates that reconstruction of Smith's natural theology is possible and shows the significance of Smith's natural theology in his broad system of moral philosophy