This question <115|74> overall <69|71> Minaret: <12|244-4>. graded A–

Question 117: Can a commodity express its value in the value of another commodity?

[70] Minaret: A commodity can express its value through the value of another commodity. A computer hard drive can be purchased either as a hard drive alone or as part of the computer. The computer's value will also go up or down depending on the “value” of the hard drive. If I put a nice hard drive in the computer the price goes up, if it is an average hard drive the price of the computer will reflect that. This is only true when the two items are commodities. A hard drive is not the article, like iron or linen, it is a commodity represented in another commodity (the computer).

This is my understanding and I may not understand completely. I think the question really comes down to the definition of the “form of use-values or articles.” In my example, does the hard drive actually become (through the production process) a “form of use-value” where as Ehrbar states “every trace of its social origin is extinguished?”

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