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Q: Why you cant use the law of diminishing marginal utility to tell whether an additional dollar of income is worth more to a poor man or a rich man?
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What is the law of diminishing of marginal utility?

The Law of Diminishing Marginal UtilityThe law of diminishing marginal utility can be logically deduced from the axiom of human action. To show this, let us start with some remarks on utility. Utility is a subjective concept. It denotes "satisfaction" (or "happiness" or "contentment"). It rises if and when an individual increases his or her state of satisfaction. Conversely, if and when someone considers himself in a worse state of affairs, his utility decreases.What is more, utility is an ordinal concept, meaning that utility cannot be measured in terms of higher or lower utility from the viewpoint of an individual; and changes in utility among different people cannot be measured. All one can say is that utility is higher or lower from the viewpoint of an individual.Rothbard explained why this is:In order for any measurement to be possible, there must be an eternally fixed and objectively given unit with which other units may be compared. There is no such objective unit in the field of human valuation. The individual must determine subjectively for himself whether he is better or worse off as a result of any change.[2]Marginal utility means the utility of increments of goods; it means the utility of enjoying an additional good. Marginal utility does not mean increments of utility - which would imply measurability of utility.[3] So what does the law of diminishing marginal utility say?The law says, first, that the marginal utility of each (homogenous) unit decreases as the supply of units increases(and vice versa); second, that the marginal utility of a larger-sized unit is greater than the marginal utility of a smaller-sized unit (and vice versa). The first law denotes the law of diminishing marginal utility, the second law the law of increasing total utility.These two dimensions of the law of diminishing marginal utility follow directly from the axiom of human action; they can be logically deduced from it, and they do not in any way depend on psychology or any behavioral assumption. This will be shown in what follows.by economist Aamir suhail Maitlo for futher info:email address :aamirsuhail026@gmail.com


Is it any good service or activity which does not eventually exhibit diminishing marginal utility per unit of time?

When the phrase 'insatiable appetite' is used to refer to any activity, and we are reasonable confident that it is relevant and applicable to that activity, then we could begin a critical investigation of whether the law applies to it or not. One activity that immediately comes to mind is the longer term quest that scientists, academics, researchers or simply, nerds demonstrate consistently is an 'Insatiable Appetite' for knowledge or information, over a long term. There cannot be any diminishing utility for such persons to the pursuit of knowledge. Pursuit of Knowledge, as an activity therefore presents a situation for some of us, where diminishing marginal utility may not apply. Sabdezar Ilahi


Why is marginal cost the key to economic decision?

People make decisions at the margin; they strictly measure whether the incremental benefit from the next unit of allocation is greater or equal to the marginal cost. Since marginal cost is part of the profitability of an action, the cost affects whether the next unit's return is positive or not, so it helps to determine whether that actor takes that action or not.


What is marshall's cardinal utility theory?

In economics, cardinal utility is a theory of utility under which the utility (roughly, satisfaction) gained from a particular good or service can be measured and that the magnitude of the measurement is meaningful. Under cardinal utility theory, the util is a unit of measurement much like the metre orsecond. A util has a fixed size, making comparisons based on ratios of utils possible.This sort of comparison is of great theoretical value in social planning and ethics. Under the framework ofutilitarianism, actions (including production of goods and provision of services) are judged by their contributions to overall happiness. Cardinal utility provides a way of judging the "greatest good to the greatest number". An act that reduces one person's utility by 75 utils while increasing two others' by 50 utils each has increased overall utility by 25 utils and is thus a positive contribution; one that costs the first person 125 utils while giving the same 50 each to two other people has resulted in a net loss of 25 utils.This ability to neatly compare utilities in theory runs into problems in practice. There are major difficulties in measuring utility, which is inherently subjective. Unlike with distance or time, one cannot simply use a ruler or stopwatch to measure satisfaction. It is not simple to definitively say whether a good is worth 50, 75, or 125 utils to a person, or even if it is worth the same number of utils to two different people. These problems have resulted in a shift in microeconomic theory towards ranked preferences or ordinal utility, in which a good with a higher utility is preferred to one with lower utility but the magnitude of the difference has no meaning.Cardinal utility was popular with utilitarian economists in the 18th century. Their belief was that utility could be measured and therefore wealth redistributed to those with lower levels of utility. Some utilitarians believed that since utility has diminishing marginal returns, it could be shaven off the top of an individual and given to another individual who would find the utility more useful. Many modern utilitarians, however, argue that such social engineering is impractical and is itself likely to reduce total utility.There remain economists who believe that utility can be measured. These measures are not perfect but can act as a proxy for the utility. Lancaster's characteristics approach to consumer demand illustrates this point.


Why economist use cardinal utility theory?

In economics, cardinal utility is a theory of utility under which the utility (roughly, satisfaction) gained from a particular good or service can be measured and that the magnitude of the measurement is meaningful. Under cardinal utility theory, the util is a unit of measurement much like the metre or second. A util has a fixed size, making comparisons based on ratios of utils possible.This sort of comparison is of great theoretical value in social planning and ethics. Under the framework of utilitarianism, actions (including production of goods and provision of services) are judged by their contributions to overall happiness. Cardinal utility provides a way of judging the "greatest good to the greatest number". An act that reduces one person's utility by 75 utils while increasing two others' by 50 utils each has increased overall utility by 25 utils and is thus a positive contribution; one that costs the first person 125 utils while giving the same 50 each to two other people has resulted in a net loss of 25 utils.This ability to neatly compare utilities in theory runs into problems in practice. There are major difficulties in measuring utility, which is inherently subjective. Unlike with distance or time, one cannot simply use a ruler or stopwatch to measure satisfaction. It is not simple to definitively say whether a good is worth 50, 75, or 125 utils to a person, or even if it is worth the same number of utils to two different people. These problems have resulted in a shift in microeconomic theory towards ranked preferences or ordinal utility, in which a good with a higher utility is preferred to one with lower utility but the magnitude of the difference has no meaning.Cardinal utility was popular with utilitarian economists in the 18th century. Their belief was that utility could be measured and therefore wealth redistributed to those with lower levels of utility. Some utilitarians believed that since utility has diminishing marginal returns, it could be shaven off the top of an individual and given to another individual who would find the utility more useful. Many modern utilitarians, however, argue that such social engineering is impractical and is itself likely to reduce total utility.There remain economists who believe that utility can be measured. These measures are not perfect but can act as a proxy for the utility. Lancaster's characteristics approach to consumer demand illustrates this point.

Related questions

Answer for November 2006 paper 4 economics a level?

Explain the Law of Diminishing Marginal Utility and discuss whether it supports the idea that higher incomes increase happiness?


What is the law of diminishing of marginal utility?

The Law of Diminishing Marginal UtilityThe law of diminishing marginal utility can be logically deduced from the axiom of human action. To show this, let us start with some remarks on utility. Utility is a subjective concept. It denotes "satisfaction" (or "happiness" or "contentment"). It rises if and when an individual increases his or her state of satisfaction. Conversely, if and when someone considers himself in a worse state of affairs, his utility decreases.What is more, utility is an ordinal concept, meaning that utility cannot be measured in terms of higher or lower utility from the viewpoint of an individual; and changes in utility among different people cannot be measured. All one can say is that utility is higher or lower from the viewpoint of an individual.Rothbard explained why this is:In order for any measurement to be possible, there must be an eternally fixed and objectively given unit with which other units may be compared. There is no such objective unit in the field of human valuation. The individual must determine subjectively for himself whether he is better or worse off as a result of any change.[2]Marginal utility means the utility of increments of goods; it means the utility of enjoying an additional good. Marginal utility does not mean increments of utility - which would imply measurability of utility.[3] So what does the law of diminishing marginal utility say?The law says, first, that the marginal utility of each (homogenous) unit decreases as the supply of units increases(and vice versa); second, that the marginal utility of a larger-sized unit is greater than the marginal utility of a smaller-sized unit (and vice versa). The first law denotes the law of diminishing marginal utility, the second law the law of increasing total utility.These two dimensions of the law of diminishing marginal utility follow directly from the axiom of human action; they can be logically deduced from it, and they do not in any way depend on psychology or any behavioral assumption. This will be shown in what follows.by economist Aamir suhail Maitlo for futher info:email address :aamirsuhail026@gmail.com


Is it any good service or activity which does not eventually exhibit diminishing marginal utility per unit of time?

When the phrase 'insatiable appetite' is used to refer to any activity, and we are reasonable confident that it is relevant and applicable to that activity, then we could begin a critical investigation of whether the law applies to it or not. One activity that immediately comes to mind is the longer term quest that scientists, academics, researchers or simply, nerds demonstrate consistently is an 'Insatiable Appetite' for knowledge or information, over a long term. There cannot be any diminishing utility for such persons to the pursuit of knowledge. Pursuit of Knowledge, as an activity therefore presents a situation for some of us, where diminishing marginal utility may not apply. Sabdezar Ilahi


How do you measure whether producers respond to a price change?

a consumer will respond to the price changes in such a way that it could express its marginal utility


Why is marginal cost the key to economic decision?

People make decisions at the margin; they strictly measure whether the incremental benefit from the next unit of allocation is greater or equal to the marginal cost. Since marginal cost is part of the profitability of an action, the cost affects whether the next unit's return is positive or not, so it helps to determine whether that actor takes that action or not.


Deciding whether to do or use one additional unit of some resource?

Deciding whether to do or use one additional unit of some resource


Where will you apply marginal costing?

Marginal costing is the ascertainment of cost of one extra unit to be prepared or manufactured. Basically thee formula is- (Marginal Cost)n = (Total Cost)n - (Total Cost)n-1 for nth item . Through marginal costing we can ascertain whether our cost of production is rising, falling or constant and thus it helps in formation of a strategic plan for the enterprise.


What are costs that a company has to pay whether or not its operating?

The Company has to pay its Fixed Costs, Such as Rent and utility. These cost have to be paid regardless of whether the company is operating or not


You need to verify whether a particular host is rechable which command line utility should you use?

Ping


Why economist use cardinal utility theory?

In economics, cardinal utility is a theory of utility under which the utility (roughly, satisfaction) gained from a particular good or service can be measured and that the magnitude of the measurement is meaningful. Under cardinal utility theory, the util is a unit of measurement much like the metre or second. A util has a fixed size, making comparisons based on ratios of utils possible.This sort of comparison is of great theoretical value in social planning and ethics. Under the framework of utilitarianism, actions (including production of goods and provision of services) are judged by their contributions to overall happiness. Cardinal utility provides a way of judging the "greatest good to the greatest number". An act that reduces one person's utility by 75 utils while increasing two others' by 50 utils each has increased overall utility by 25 utils and is thus a positive contribution; one that costs the first person 125 utils while giving the same 50 each to two other people has resulted in a net loss of 25 utils.This ability to neatly compare utilities in theory runs into problems in practice. There are major difficulties in measuring utility, which is inherently subjective. Unlike with distance or time, one cannot simply use a ruler or stopwatch to measure satisfaction. It is not simple to definitively say whether a good is worth 50, 75, or 125 utils to a person, or even if it is worth the same number of utils to two different people. These problems have resulted in a shift in microeconomic theory towards ranked preferences or ordinal utility, in which a good with a higher utility is preferred to one with lower utility but the magnitude of the difference has no meaning.Cardinal utility was popular with utilitarian economists in the 18th century. Their belief was that utility could be measured and therefore wealth redistributed to those with lower levels of utility. Some utilitarians believed that since utility has diminishing marginal returns, it could be shaven off the top of an individual and given to another individual who would find the utility more useful. Many modern utilitarians, however, argue that such social engineering is impractical and is itself likely to reduce total utility.There remain economists who believe that utility can be measured. These measures are not perfect but can act as a proxy for the utility. Lancaster's characteristics approach to consumer demand illustrates this point.


What is marshall's cardinal utility theory?

In economics, cardinal utility is a theory of utility under which the utility (roughly, satisfaction) gained from a particular good or service can be measured and that the magnitude of the measurement is meaningful. Under cardinal utility theory, the util is a unit of measurement much like the metre orsecond. A util has a fixed size, making comparisons based on ratios of utils possible.This sort of comparison is of great theoretical value in social planning and ethics. Under the framework ofutilitarianism, actions (including production of goods and provision of services) are judged by their contributions to overall happiness. Cardinal utility provides a way of judging the "greatest good to the greatest number". An act that reduces one person's utility by 75 utils while increasing two others' by 50 utils each has increased overall utility by 25 utils and is thus a positive contribution; one that costs the first person 125 utils while giving the same 50 each to two other people has resulted in a net loss of 25 utils.This ability to neatly compare utilities in theory runs into problems in practice. There are major difficulties in measuring utility, which is inherently subjective. Unlike with distance or time, one cannot simply use a ruler or stopwatch to measure satisfaction. It is not simple to definitively say whether a good is worth 50, 75, or 125 utils to a person, or even if it is worth the same number of utils to two different people. These problems have resulted in a shift in microeconomic theory towards ranked preferences or ordinal utility, in which a good with a higher utility is preferred to one with lower utility but the magnitude of the difference has no meaning.Cardinal utility was popular with utilitarian economists in the 18th century. Their belief was that utility could be measured and therefore wealth redistributed to those with lower levels of utility. Some utilitarians believed that since utility has diminishing marginal returns, it could be shaven off the top of an individual and given to another individual who would find the utility more useful. Many modern utilitarians, however, argue that such social engineering is impractical and is itself likely to reduce total utility.There remain economists who believe that utility can be measured. These measures are not perfect but can act as a proxy for the utility. Lancaster's characteristics approach to consumer demand illustrates this point.


What utility might you use to find out whether your ISP's router is especially slow on a particular afternoon?

netstat--A TCP/IP troubleshooting utility that displays stats and the state of the current TCP/IP connections.