who is the father of economics

Adam Smith is widely recognized as the "Father of Economics" or the "Father of Modern Economics." He was an 18th-century Scottish economist and philosopher whose seminal work, An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations (1776), laid the foundation for economics as a distinct academic discipline and a comprehensive system of thought. Smith introduced key concepts such as the division of labor, free markets, competition, and the "invisible hand" that guides self-interest to promote economic growth. His ideas challenged mercantilism and advocated for laissez-faire economic policies, emphasizing the role of supply and demand in regulating markets. Smith's contributions have profoundly influenced economic theory and policy, making him the central figure in the development of classical economics and earning him this enduring title