Who is considered the founder of modern economics?

Adam Smith is considered the founder of modern economics primarily due to his pioneering work, "The Wealth of Nations," published in 1776. In this influential text, Smith introduced the concept of the 'invisible hand,' which describes how individuals pursuing their own self-interest can lead to beneficial outcomes for society as a whole. This idea laid the groundwork for classical economics and emphasized the importance of free markets and competition in promoting economic efficiency and growth.

Smith's insights into productivity, division of labor, and the role of self-interest in economic activities fundamentally shaped economic thought and theory. His contributions established a framework that continues to be relevant in both economic theory and policy discussions today, marking a significant shift from earlier mercantilist ideas that focused more on state control and regulation of the economy.

While figures like John Maynard Keynes, Milton Friedman, and David Ricardo made substantial contributions to economic theory in their own right, they built upon Smith's foundational ideas. Keynes is known for his advocacy of government intervention in the economy, Friedman for his monetarist views, and Ricardo for his theories on comparative advantage. However, it is Adam Smith whose work is widely regarded as the starting point of modern economic thought.