This work investigates the intellectual transformation of economic thought from a branch of moral philosophy into a distinct, autonomous scientific discipline between 1750 and 1870. Donald Winch, a prominent historian of economic thought, utilizes a rigorous analysis of primary texts and historical context to trace how classical economists navigated the shift from Enlightenment-era social theory to the specialized, analytical frameworks of the late nineteenth century. The book argues that this evolution was not a linear progression but a complex negotiation between political, social, and philosophical pressures.

This text is regarded as a foundational study for scholars of intellectual history and economic theory due to its meticulous archival research and nuanced contextualization. The framing suggests a dense, academic exploration intended for specialists and students of the history of economic thought.