[JIM DUNDON 08.14.2006.1306EDST]
Perceptions of derivation of value are manifest in economic theories.
Karl Marx believed that value is determined by labor; his "labor theory of
value". The labor theory of value says that whatever the value of your
labor is at the time of the input of labor that value is sustained untill
the commencement of consumption. It assumes an unalterable, unchallangeable
value. But in terms of what? They had to refer to western markets for a
value. Communism requires that a perception of value can
and will be attatched to every unit of labor.. It must therefore dictate
that environmental conditions [disturbances] be denied, controlled or
ignored. It means that everyones interests and values be completely
predictable, maintainable, eternal.
It has been said that the reason he didn't publish the two additional books
he wrote before his death was because he had begun to realize he was wrong,
that it was not possible for everyone to have the same values everywhere at
all times. He had begun to realize that value in exchange was determined at
the point of trade.
In order to control this perception he had to dictate all production, all
distribution, and all consumption. This meant dictation of all value
judgements of perceptions of tastes and preferences, all perceptions of
labor input, and the elimination of any perception of individual experience
of control, creativity or self-satisfaction by the individual. All
perceptions were to be dictated by the proletariat until all competition was
eliminated.
When Nixon attempted to implement price and wage controls there was never a
once a recognition of identity with the Marxian perception.
I like to believe that I have some sense of control over what my weeks
labor is going to yield in real goods on payday. If I had absolute control
over it that it would be great. This must be the basis for the appeal of
Communism. But that requires a world without disturbance. No influence from
nature. On the other hand, what if my interests or values or needs change,
it is then great if I can accomodate these changes. And it would be great if
by some stroke of luck I got two or three times what I expected.
The perception of derivation of value in a free market theory of value
accepts the unpredictable nature of value in exchange determined by supply
and demand.
The perception of derivation of value in the Axiomatic Theory of Economics
[Victor Aquila; see attatchment] discards the notion of supply and demand
and says value is determined by stock [as in amount in store]. If there is
supply and demand
they are emergent variables. [I think]
Rick, Bill, Martin, Bjorn, others, if you are not yet familiar with this
theory, check it out.
It may appeal to your mathematical bent. In any event what do you think of
it? See attatchment.
Best
Jim D
intro.pdf (365 KB)