The RETHEX project has made significant progress compared to the state of the art. Through an interdisciplinary and historical analysis of the philosophical, linguistic and moral origins of modern European thought, particularly that of Adam Smith, the project has redefined the concept of economic exchange. Rather than relying on reductive interpretations based on the notion of individual interest, the research proposes a novel approach in which exchange is considered an expression of moral motivations, mutual trust and recognition. These are all fundamental to social cohesion and the formation of market societies. Notably, the project draws on sources and debates from various disciplines, including economics, linguistics, political theory, anthropology, and moral philosophy. This provides a more complex and nuanced perspective on the role of exchange in history and contemporary society. Key results include high-quality publications in peer-reviewed journals, such as reinterpretations of Smith's monetary and value theory and explorations of the relationship between sociability, language, trust and exchange. The forthcoming monograph, Adam Smith's Harmonic Society, offers a broader, multidimensional interpretation of Smith's ideas and makes an original contribution to Smithian scholarship. Furthermore, the researcher's participation as a Visiting Scholar at the Centre for Political Thought at the University of Cambridge has expanded the project's collaborative network and strengthened its international impact. In terms of social and economic impact, the project has influenced discussions on market morality by demonstrating that trust, recognition and persuasion mechanisms are fundamental to effective, sustainable exchange — even in contexts of crisis or increasing political and economic polarisation. The critical review of narratives on human nature and the function of language in the origin of exchange provides theoretical tools to address current challenges, such as the crisis of trust in institutions, tensions between globalisation and protectionism, and new forms of collaborative and sharing economies. Furthermore, dissemination activities, including international conferences and workshops, as well as the publication of three special issues to mark the 250th anniversary of The Wealth of Nations, will broaden the social reach of the project, stimulating a wider public debate on the ethical and social relevance of economic theories. The creation of accessible online resources and the organisation of a final conference open to a wider audience than the academic community have encouraged the engagement of a non-specialist audience, helping to spread a more critical and informed understanding of the role of exchange in forming modern societies. In conclusion, RETHEX has opened up new avenues of research and strengthened our understanding of the moral, linguistic and social role of exchange, potentially impacting academia and civil society in the long term.
