| This question <69|75> overall <72|74> BillyB: <563-12|346>. |
| Question 198: Which characteristics of value are expressed better in the Expanded form of value than in the Simple form, and what are the defects of the Expanded form? |
| [73] BillyB: Characteristics of Value. In the prior answer [69] to this question, Diesel gives a definition of simple form taken from Marx. “The value of a commodity is contained in its value in relation to another commodity of another kind.” Diesel also states that “simple form is quantitatively exchangeable...” To elaborate more, ‘exchange value’ is important in the relationship between commodities. It is the reaction that takes place that gives the commodity its value. Commodity A by itself doesn't manifest its value until it is brought before another commodity such as B, therefore a reaction takes place that gives commodity A an exchange value. The relationship between commodities expresses their value. |
| Expanded form is more complicated than simple form. Simple form failed to show the relationship between the commodity A and the rest of the commodities. In expanded form, “The value of a commodity...is now expressed in countless other members of the world of commodities,” as stated by Marx. As Diesel explains, every commodity becomes a mirror to commodity A. |
| Expanded form is more capable than simple at looking at these relationships. It has defects which Marx points out and Diesel fails to mention. The Annotations say, “The expanded form is not unique, it is not simple and it is not uniform,” meaning the commodity is not expressed the same everywhere, it's not fixed or given. (pp.124) The commodity can be compared to an infinite amount of others, because commodites continue to be created. Also, “it is not uniform (i.e., the expanded equivalent of linen is qualitatively different from that of boots.)” pp.124 |
| While expanded form gives a more complete representation of value by giving relationships among all commodities, there continue to be newly created commodities that change the exchange values between commodities. Therefore in expanded form it is difficult to express everything in entirety. |
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