Re: [OPE-L] how can you calculate efficiency?

From: Paul Cockshott (wpc@DCS.GLA.AC.UK)
Date: Mon Apr 04 2005 - 04:26:10 EDT


Wolffs argument could equally well be taken to prove the impossibility
of engineering design. The circumstances determining the exact behaviour
of a car or aircraft are also innumerable, but that does not itself
prevent there being progress in the efficiency of machines. 

-----Original Message-----
From: OPE-L [mailto:OPE-L@SUS.CSUCHICO.EDU] On Behalf Of michael
perelman
Sent: 01 April 2005 18:27
To: OPE-L@SUS.CSUCHICO.EDU
Subject: Re: [OPE-L] how can you calculate efficiency?

Gerald_A_Levy@MSN.COM wrote:

>Wolff claims that efficiency studies then assert a "hegemonic principle
of selectivity."
>
>
Yes, that much is certainly consistent with my perspective.  I would not
go so far as to imply an infinite array of possibilities.

>
>Thus, in contrast to Michael P's critique of market-based calculations
>of efficiency,  Rick's critique is grounded in his "overdeterminist
view
>of the world"  and could be equally applied as a critique of
calculating
>efficiency in non-capitalist modes of production.
>
Here I would part ways with Rick.  Socialist planners CAN be wrong, but
they need not be.  Also, "wrong"


--

Michael Perelman
Economics Department
California State University
michael at ecst.csuchico.edu
Chico, CA 95929
530-898-5321
fax 530-898-5901


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