July 17

Educated at the University of Glasgow and Oxford, Adam Smith became a professor of moral philosophy at Glasgow, where he lectured on ethics and jurisprudence. His seminal work, 'The Theory of Moral Sentiments,' explored human morality and sympathy. In 1776, he published 'An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations,' introducing theories of free markets, division of labor, and the invisible hand. Smith's ideas laid the foundation for classical economics and influenced the development of capitalism. His work continues to be studied for its insights into economics, ethics, and social organization.

Leszek Kołakowski was one of the most influential philosophers of the 20th century, acclaimed for his penetrating critiques of Marxist ideology and comprehensive histories of philosophy. Born in Poland, he taught at the University of Oxford and made significant contributions to the study of political thought, ideology, and religion. His three-volume work 'Main Currents of Marxism' remains a foundational text in political philosophy. Beyond his academic writings, Kołakowski was a public intellectual who engaged with debates on freedom, culture, and ethics during the Cold War. He received numerous honors for his scholarship and was a fellow of the British Academy. His legacy endures through his profound impact on philosophical and historical discourse.