|
|
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
|
|
|
|
|
ECONOMICS OF UNCERTAINTY The study of the role that uncertainty plays in the economy and in the allocation of resources, with special attention paid to the analysis of risk. Key topics in this area of study and analysis are risk preferences (aversion, neutrality, and loving) and the provision of insurance. This study of the economics of uncertainty is part of the broader study of the economics of information.
Complete Entry | Visit the WEB*pedia |
|
Fact 7: Our Circular WorldOur little excursion through the economy has had, thus far, its ups and downs. My cable bill remains permanently confused and my checking account has a large property-tax created imbalance, but at least the pain in my tooth stops before hitting my toes. I think we deserve a little rest and relaxation at the Shady Valley's own tourist mecca, Happy-Time Gala-World Fun-Land Extravaganza Amusement Park. Let's take a brief respite from our pedestrian trek and give the soles of our jogging shoes a well-deserved rest. The Happy-Time Gala-World Fun-Land Extravaganza Amusement Park has the world famous Monster Loop Death Plunge roller coaster, guaranteed to make riders yearn for the pleasures of a Siberian forced labor camp. There's also the Enchanted Haunted Horror House filled with serial killers, chainsaw murders, and IRS auditors. For the more timid, and fortunately, for those more interested in the workings of our economy, the merry-go-round is the ride of choice. Two familiar faces are enjoying the circular trip on their fiberglass ponies. The slender guy with the bushy mustache is Dan Dreiling, the drywall man. I had him repair a hole in my living room wall caused by an over-excited vacuum cleaner a few months back. The disgusted look on his dusty face tells me that I must have overlooked his $100 bill. The other recognizable rider is Pollyanna Pumpernickel a precocious pet store owner who has somehow neglected to pay me the $100 due for hamster-sitting services which I rendered a few weeks ago. Her furtive glances suggest that she is well aware of her liability.
Tell me more...
Visit the PEDestrian's Guide
|
|
|
BLUE PLACIDOLA
[What's This?]
Today, you are likely to spend a great deal of time browsing about a thrift store trying to buy either an electric coffee pot with automatic shutoff or a brown leather attache case. Be on the lookout for gnomes hiding in cypress trees.
Your Complete Scope
This isn't me! What am I?
|
|
|
The first U.S. fire insurance company was established by Benjamin Franklin in 1752 in Philadelphia.
|
|
|
"He who truly knows has no occasion to shout. " -- Leonardo da Vinci, painter, sculptor, architect, engineer
|
|
LIBOR
london Inter-Bank Offered Rate
|
|
|
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
|
|
