 |
Behind these somewhat dry academic questions lurk
a variety of more interesting questions:
Economics assumes scarce resources and competing ends. Is this really a key question in all societies?
Are there things that people always want? Are some competing ends the same in all societies?
What is the purpose of an economy in the first place? Part of the
capitalist answer is "To make at least some people as
rich as possible." But, is that the only
answer...or even a reasonable answer. Consider that when we say "rich as possible" we're usually thinking of wealth expressed in money. However, it's completely irrational to simply want money. It's just numbers. So, what is it exactly that we want and are there different ways to get it?
Economics assumes that people are rational...but
are they? And, is rationality the same thing wherever it's found?
|