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)
