The mainstream economics we know now is an even more perverted version of Smith’s work. In an earlier book ‘The Theory of Moral Sentiments’, he argued that societal and moral sentiments are important to exercise self-control. He also believes that government should be necessary in supporting the moral framework such as providing education to the poor. This part of his work is generally ignored in mainstream economics framework while the idea of self-interest shines eminently.
Those scientists who believe in Scientism and hold that the experimental method is the only arbiter in all matters of life need to look no further than the field of economics where the tools and concepts of physics are applied. Even though science cannot be arbiter in morals, defining motives, public policy and politics, but it cannot even be a perfect and sufficient tool in explaining economic behaviour by taking the analogy of animal behaviour which is based on self-interest and survival instincts.
Islamic Economics Project 