|
|
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
|
|

|
|
|
SOCIAL SCIENCE The scientific study of society--of human behavior and of social interactions. Economics is one of several social sciences. Others are sociology, political science, and anthropology. Economics is considered a social science because it seeks to explain how society deals with the scarcity problem.
Complete Entry | Visit the WEB*pedia |


|
|
BLACK DISMALAPOD [What's This?]
Today, you are likely to spend a great deal of time browsing through a long list of dot com websites wanting to buy either pink cotton balls or a genuine down-filled comforter. Be on the lookout for slightly overweight pizza delivery guys. Your Complete Scope
This isn't me! What am I?
|
|
|
In the late 1800s and early 1900s, almost 2 million children were employed as factory workers.
|
|
|
"If things are not going well with you, begin your effort at correcting the situation by carefully examining the service you are rendering, and especially the spirit in which you are rendering it." -- Roger Babson, statistician and columnist
|
|
ES Singapore Stock Exchange
|
|
|
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
|

|