|
|
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
|
|
|
|
|
ASYMMETRIC INFORMATION Information is not equally available to everyone. Asymmetric information results because efficient information search inevitably stops short of compete information. Some people obtain more benefits from information than others, are willing to incur higher search costs, and thus end up knowing more. Or they incur lower information search costs and have easier access to the information. In a market, sellers tend to have more information about the good than buyers. Asymmetric information gives rise to adverse selection, moral hazard, and the principal-agent problem. These problems can be lessened through signalling and screening.
Complete Entry | Visit the WEB*pedia |
|
|
GREEN LOGIGUIN
[What's This?]
Today, you are likely to spend a great deal of time strolling around a discount warehouse buying club trying to buy either a box of multi-colored, plastic paper clips or several orange mixing bowls. Be on the lookout for celebrities who speak directly to you through your television.
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.
|
|
|
"Look at everything as though you were seeing it either for the first or last time. Then your time on earth will be filled with glory." -- Betty Smith, Novelist
|
|
VAT
Value Added Tax
|
|
|
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
|
|
