| This question <57|161-1> overall <158-1|158-4> Che: <156-4|168>. |
| Question 145: Which two steps in the analysis of value did Aristotle make correctly, and which step did he not make? |
| [158-2] Che: In the analysis of value, Aristotle make the same epistemological steps that Marx makes in his assertions of value. The steps that Aristotle makes bolsters Marx's argument of value and lends credence to the labour theory of value. |
| Aristotle asserts that the expression of value of a commodity in monetary terms, is no different than its expression of value in another commodity. Essentially, the value in terms of money is equal to that of the value that exists in another commodity. Marx states, “that the money form of a commodity is only a further development of the Simple form of value.” 151:2 |
| Second, Aristotle asserts that there has to exist equality between commodities. This would be achieved by a qualitative relation between commodities. It is this qualitative relationship that would, for Aristotle, generate equality between commodities. He states that there can be “no exchange without equality, and no equality without commensurability.” |
| The step that Aristotle does not make or perhaps could not make is that he does not pursue further analysis of the form of value. Aristotle states that, “It is, however, in reality impossible that such unlikely things are commensurable.” Essentially, Aristotle asserts that it is unlikely that these thing, or commodities can achieve qualitative equality. Aristotle further supports this point by stating, “Their being set equal must be something foreign to the true nature of these things, a mere makeshift for practical purposes.” |
| This point is where Marx asserts that the homogenous labour, or abstract labour is the equalizing force between commodities. It is through abstract labour that value is generated in commodities and allows for equality in exchange. This is the step that Aristotle failed to arrive at. Marx's theory of labour value makes this step, because labour is the essential component of equality between commodities, it provides the basis for the evaluation of value and exchange in the market. |
| It is quite possible that the notion of abstract labour that is produced in a commodity, which gives it value, is a concept which eluded Aristotle and thwarted his attempt to make the crucial step in his analysis of value. |
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