|
|
DIAMOND-WATER PARADOX: The perplexing observation that water, which is more useful than diamonds, has a lower price. If price is related to utility, how can this occur? This paradox was first proposed by classical economists in the 19th century and was subsequently used as a stepping stone for developing the notion of marginal utility and the role it plays in the demand price of a good. The paradox is magically cleared up with an understanding of marginal utility and total utility. People are willing to pay a higher price for goods with greater marginal utility. As such, water which is plentiful has enormous total utility, but a low price because of a low marginal utility. Diamonds, however, have less total utility because they are less plentiful, but a high price because of a high marginal utility.
Visit the GLOSS*arama
|
|
|
|
|
INFLATION PROBLEMS Two notable problems are associated with inflation--uncertainty and haphazard redistribution. Inflation, especially inflation that varies from month to month and year to year, makes long-term planning quite difficult. Prices, wages, taxes, interest rates, and other nominal values that enter into consumer, business, and government planning decisions can be significantly affected by inflation. Moreover, inflation tends to redistribute income and wealth in a haphazard manner--some people win and some people lose. This redistribution might not be that desired by society, failing to promote any of the basic economic goals of efficiency, equity, stability, growth, or full-employment.
Complete Entry | Visit the WEB*pedia |
|
|
GREEN LOGIGUIN
[What's This?]
Today, you are likely to spend a great deal of time browsing about a thrift store looking to buy either a package of 3 by 5 index cards, the ones without lines or a blue mechanical pencil. Be on the lookout for small children selling products door-to-door.
Your Complete Scope
This isn't me! What am I?
|
|
|
Three-forths of the gold mined each year is used to manufacture jewelry.
|
|
|
"It is only our deeds that reveal who we are. " -- Carl Jung, psychiatrist
|
|
ECLA
Economic Commission for Latin America
|
|
|
Tell us what you think about AmosWEB. Like what you see? Have suggestions for improvements? Let us know. Click the User Feedback link.
User Feedback
|
|
