Re: [OPE-L] basics vs. non-basics

From: Ian Wright (iwright@GMAIL.COM)
Date: Tue Sep 20 2005 - 13:37:04 EDT 

Hi Diego

Is not R in Sraffa's theory the maximun rate of profit? If so, it is a ratio
> or quotient between two "things" that must have some (physical) dimension.
> For instance, in Marxian theory, the rates of profit and surplus value are
> also quotients. They have no dimension but are the ratios of quantities of
> labour or money (measured in hours or euros). So, the rate of profit is an
> (maximum) eigenvalue as well, but this pure number is the quotient of two
> units that are in fact the same "thing". But again: which is the physical
> unit of the standard commodity? It must have one and I cannot conceive of
> nothing different from labour.


The R is a scaling, so I think of it as the same percentage increase applied
to the different units of commodity types. The physical unit of the standard
commodity is a vector, as it is a bundle of goods. I don't see a problem
here, unless I've missing something.

-Ian.

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