|
|
LAW: Generally accepted, verified, fundamental principle of nature. Laws have been tested and verified through the scientific method. As a house is constructed from concrete, lumber, and nails, a theory is constructed from laws. To be a fundamental law of nature, a principle must capture a cause-and-effect relationship about the workings of the world.
Visit the GLOSS*arama
|
|
|
|
                           FALLACY OF DIVISION: The logical fallacy of arguing that what is true for the whole is also true for the parts. In the study of economics, this takes the form of assuming that what works for the aggregate, or macroeconomy, also works for parts of the economy, such as households or businesses. The contrasting fallacy is the fallacy of composition. The fallacy of division, together with the fallacy of composition, highlights the difference between macroeconomics and microeconomics. Macroeconomics operates according one set of laws and principles, while microeconomics operates according to another set. Assuming what works for the aggregate economy also works for parts of the economy leads to the fallacy of division.For example, during economic bad times (recession), the appropriate action for the Federal government (as "caretaker" of the aggregate economy) is to increase spending and reduce taxes. A recessionary period is not the time for government to act prudently, to save, to set aside extra funds for a rainy day. However, should a family or business try to operate in a similar manner, then they are bound to encounter problems, and to commit the fallacy of division. Saving less and spending more during a recession can be disastrous at the microeconomic family level. The aggregate economy is a complex system comprised of smaller microeconomic components. An analogy is the human body. Individuals and firms make up the aggregate economy like cells and molecules make up the human body. Rules that apply to entire body do not apply to the cells. Rules that apply to entire macroeconomy do not apply to the firms, households, markets, and industries. What is true at the macroeconomic level is not necessarily true at the microeconomic level. What is true for the whole is not necessarily true for the parts.
Recommended Citation:FALLACY OF DIVISION, AmosWEB Encyclonomic WEB*pedia, http://www.AmosWEB.com, AmosWEB LLC, 2000-2022. [Accessed: December 4, 2022].
Check Out These Related Terms... | | | | | | |
Or For A Little Background... | | | | |
And For Further Study... | | | | | | | | |
Search Again?
Back to the WEB*pedia
|
|
|
GRAY SKITTERY
[What's This?]
Today, you are likely to spend a great deal of time looking for the new strip mall out on the highway hoping to buy either a black duffle bag with velcro closures or any book written by Isaac Asimov. Be on the lookout for the happiest person in the room.
Your Complete Scope
This isn't me! What am I?
|
|
|
In his older years, Andrew Carnegie seldom carried money because he was offended by its sight and touch.
|
|
|
"Only great minds can afford a simple style." -- Stendhal, writer
|
|
AD
Aggregate Demand
|
|
|
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
|
|
