| This question <120|142> overall <136|138> Kalle: <40|157>. |
| Exam Question 83: In the equation “20 yards of linen = 1 coat,” what is the difference between the left hand side and the right hand side? |
| [137] Kalle: 20 yards of linen= 1 coat Before I explain the difference between the two sides of the equation I will first look at the relationship between the two. Marx clearly states that there exists a value relationship between the linen and the coat. In this example the 20 yards of linen expresses its value in a certain “amount” of coat. Since the coat here plays the passive role, any other commodity could in the same way be on the right hand hand side of the equation, as an expression of the value of linen. The value of a commodity can only be expressed relatively compared to another commodity. The amount of the commodity on the right hand side is the equivalent, and therefore, dictates the relative value of the first commodity. |
| However, if we change the commodity represented on the right hand side, lets say 200 green apples, the relative value of 20 yards of linen can no longer be said to be equivelant to 1 coat. Now the equivelant value of 20 yards of linen is 200 apples, but we know nothing abouts it's relative value to coats. Both the relative and equivelant value have changed, even though we only changed one side of the equation. |
| In a barter economy, value relationships between commodities would be easier to identify, because commodities are exchanged daily, and “prices” of commodities are expressed in terms of others. An infinit number of value relationships would exist in this economy. The relative value of all commodities in terms of others, would also be subject to constant change, as the supply and demand for these commodities change the equivalent value. |
| Hans: I like the connection you see between passivity and the fact that any other commodity might take the place of the equivalent too. |
| I don't like the sentence |
| The amount of the commodity on the right hand side is the equivalent, and therefore, dictates the relative value of the first commodity. |
| because “dictates” is not passive enough. |
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