Question

How did the Enlightenment help give rise to modern capitalism?

A. Capitalism grew out of absolutism, and the Enlightenment favored absolutism.
B. Enlightenment satirists such as Voltaire shredded the old mercantile system.
C. Most Enlightenment thinkers worked to disprove socialism.
D. The writings of Adam Smith set forth the theory of capitalism.

Answer 1

The writings of Adam Smith set forth the theory of capitalism.

Answer 2

The fourth alternative is correct (D).

Adam Smith is considered one of the first economists of history, being part of the select group of classics in the economy.

Smith was a contemporary of the Enlightenment ideals and intensified his studies to understand the causes of the riches of the nations.

With his liberal understanding, Smith theorized that the economy would work perfectly through the interaction between buyers and producers, according to their needs. In this context, Smith was one of the pioneers in the study of productive capitalism.