A Brazilian Adam Smith: Cairu as the Founding Father of Political Economy in Brazil at the Beginning of the 19th Century

Abstract

Historical essay about the career and work of José da Silva Lisboa, who, as a Brazilian born Portuguese subject, first read, translated, improved the works of Adam Smith for a Portuguese and Brazilian public. He held important posts as a high official of the Portuguese Crown, and after the Independence, a member of the Brazilian Parliament. Most important of his published works is "Principles of Political Economy", which is an adapted version of Adam Smith's most important thesis, improved over Smithian conception of "productive factors", adding the "knowledge" or "intelligence" element. Later he was given the title of Viscount of Cairu, and as such became the patron of the Brazilian economists.

Keywords: Adam Smith, Jose da Silva Lisboa, political economy, Brazil, Portugal, economic history

JEL Classification: B12