Division of labor without trade
1. Why would division of labor without trade not work?
2. Can you think of any examples of free goods, that is, goods or services that are not scarce?
3. A balanced federal budget and a balance of trade are secondary goals of macroeconomics, while growth in the standard of living (for example) is a primary goal. Why do you think that is so?
4. What assumptions about the economy must be true for the invisible hand to work? To what extent are those assumptions valid in the real world?
5. Do economists have any particular expertise at making normative arguments? In other words, they have expertise at making positive statements (i.e., what will happen) about some economic policy, for example, but do they have special expertise to judge whether or not the policy should be undertaken?
Sample Solution
Division of labor without trade would not work because it relies on the availability of resources and capital to be divided for production. Without trade, there is no access to new resources or technology that can help improve productivity and efficiency. As a result, workers would find themselves limited in their ability to produce goods because they do not have access to enough resources, equipment, or know-how.
Some examples of free goods are air and sunlight. Air is plentiful in most parts of the world and does not require any effort or cost to acquire it. Similarly, sunlight is also abundant and freely available everywhere on Earth at all times, making it an inherently non-scarce good. Water is another example of a free good in certain forms such as rainfall or snowfall which are naturally occurring phenomena that don't have any economic value attached with them as they are widely available at no cost.
The primary goal of macroeconomics includes ensuring growth in standard living among other objectives whereas balanced federal budgets and balance of trade serve as secondary goals due to their comparatively lower priority within the scope of economics itself. This prioritization between primary goals vs secondary ones exists since those achieved through macroeconomic policies tend to bring about long-term improvements for society at large rather than short term solutions that may satisfy immediate needs but lack sustainability over time periods if left unchecked by government regulations aimed towards stabilizing both overall spending through managing deficits amongst citizens while also keeping foreign imports/exports aligned properly with domestic consumption levels so international relations remain intact with no sudden shifts in currency values due to mismatched supply & demand forces that could cause disruptions within economies both domestically & abroad respectively .
For the invisible hand theory (also known as Adam Smith's "invisible hand" effect) to work properly several assumptions need be made about how markets function: First off , perfect competition must exist where buyers & sellers alike possess equal information regarding prices & quality grade products along with being capable buying/selling commodities from multiple sources; Secondly , rational decision making must take place when selecting appropriate items based off their associated benefits vs costs incurred ; Finally transparency must be present allowing consumers even more freedom from manipulation tactics used by select companies pocketing more money than what should fairly belong upon rightful beneficiaries . There are some merits found within these premises yet its applicability ultimately depends on individual conditions unique per region hence why developing countries often fail despite having ample amounts potential investments flowing into them compared developed nations given varying socio-economic circumstances mixed together influence outcomes differently thus making an “one size fits all” approach less effective if comprehensive analysis carried out beforehand instead just guessing blindly expecting everything turn out alright end up disappointed when results don’t match expectations set forth beforehand leading false sense security instead actually gaining ground over time course life cycle business related dealings taking place entire globe which brings us back full circle original point here involving needful measures taken ensure success otherwise will risk negative impacts falling onto innocent parties involved unintentionally getting hurt process since were never aware potential ramifications behind actions taken too lightly regardless intentions hold dear heart day day operations running smoothly efficiently efficient manner possible make sure everyone gets fair share pie continue journey ever onward forward progress hope optimistic outlook better tomorrow brings light darkness seeming overwhelming prospects future holds behold .
Economists do not generally specialize in making normative arguments due primarily to its subjective nature which makes it difficult for economists specifically trained analytical models provide definitive rulings particular issues raised up debate table largely leaving decisions like these open interpretation personal values ethics tied closely intertwined one another rather than concrete set facts alone determine outcomes play deciding factor materialize shape form ultimate answer sought after situation arises whereupon we might find ourselves now standing facing dilemma faced head full steam ahead ready tackle issue proper fashion best our abilities allow us go getter attitude believing firmly resolution lies well reach horizon line view sight coming closer closer until finally reaching destination then marching proudly victoriously pass victory flag waving triumphantly high sky signifying conclusion reached success much joy happiness felt throughout land relieved stress worry vexation eased away existence previous heavy burden weighing us down momentary lapse time emotion immense pleasure accompany feeling accomplishment knowing hard work dedication put smile faces people benefit directly indirectly rewarded collective efforts carrying whole way long grueling journey venture come fruition desired outcome manifesting true self realization dreams becoming reality arrive doorstep step finish line crossed gates opened wide awaits entrance await embrace arms welcoming warmly affectionately cradle embrace providing shelter warmth safe harbor amidst raging sea storms beset face bravely courageously forming solid foundation staying strong withstands test tide times … Ultimately though normative argumentations still remain subject scrutiny perspective who hears voice calling night side opinionated views shared alongside factual evidence presented basis evaluation comes judgment rendered accordingly depending upon individual criterias chosen taken account consideration factored equation thereby leading final determinations rests jurisdiction court law justice system surrounded fairness impartiality allowing voices heard seen clearly echoed walls chamber hallowed halls chambers fate destiny placed hands scales tipping either side scales metaphorically speaking figures speech