Marx, Applebaum Flashcards
How does Marx define a commodity?
an object outside of us that by its properties satisfies a human want (p. 303)
For Marx, what determines value?
labor-time
For Marx, what makes a use-value?
the utility of a thing
What constitutes the substance of all wealth for Marx?
use-values (p. 303)
use-value
a qualitative relation between things
use-value*
a qualitative relation between things
exchange-value
a quantitative relation between things
what determines the exchange-value between two things?
a third property they must have in common, which is human labor in the abstract (p. 304-305) [Value]
exchange-value
a quantitative relation between things, independent of their use-values
How is labor measured to Marx?
by labor-time that is socially necessary, not by skill (p. 306)
How is labor measured to Marx?
by labor-time that is socially necessary, not by skill alone (p. 306)
- labor-time includes average skill
Does a use-value always have value?
No. Things like air, virgin soil, natural meadows are use-values without value (no labor-power)
Is a useful thing that is product of human labor always a commodity?
No. To be a commodity it must be exchanged - social use-values
Can something have value and be useless?
No. All things with value must be an object of utility.
For Marx, labor is…
part of human nature (p. 309)
Why is labor part of human nature for Marx?
because objects that are not spontaneously created by Nature are the result of productive activity (to fulfill human wants)
“It is an eternal nature-imposed necessity, without which there can be no material exchanges between man and Nature, and therefore no life.” (309)
