| This question <137|118> overall <141|143> VanHalen: <47|170-2>. |
| 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? |
| [142] VanHalen: The difference between the left hand side and the right hand side of the equation is the roles that the respective sides of the equation play. The value of the first commodity (the left hand side), is represented as relative value, in other words the commodity is in the relative form of value. The second commodity (the right hand side) fulfils the function of the equivalent, in other words it is in the equivalent form. (pg. 140 Capital) But these two qualitatively equated commodities do not play the same part. (pg.141 Capital) |
| Thats the difference between the left and right side of the equation, the 20 yards of linen are playing the role of the relative form and the 1 coat is playing the role of the equivalent value. The converse of 20 yards of linen = 1 coat could be written, but as Marx points out on page 140, we must first reverse the equation in order to express the value of the coat relatively. |
| Marx seems to place a lot of emphasis on which side of the equation a commodity falls on. On page 140 of capital, Marx says,“ whether a commodity is in the relative form or in its opposite, the equivalent form, entirely depends on its actual position in the expression of value.” Earlier on page 140, Marx also says,“ The value of the linen can therefore only be expressed relatively, i.e. in another commodity. The relative form of the value of the linen therfore presupposes that some other commodity confronts it in the equivalent form.” |
| I think that Kalle did a good job of answering the question and in her response she points out the same idea as the above quote when she said,“The value of a commodity can only be expressed relatively compared to another commodity.” |
| I think Jake gave it a good go but by bringing in the third commodity I think he kind of lost the point that Marx was trying to make. |
| Hans: Everything you write is correct, but you are sticking a little bit too much to the text, without giving the slightest hint what it all means, and also without trying to draw the slightest conclusions of your own, as Kalle and Jake did. I like it that you referred to Kalle and Jake. |
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