From: glevy@PRATT.EDU
Date: Sun Sep 09 2007 - 11:47:29 EDT
> I think that Marx's theory in Capital is essentially dynamic. Marx did > not think in terms of simultaneous equations, although in places he > almost did. Hi Ian W: Yes, but he didn't think in terms of difference or differential equations in _Capital_ either. > I also think > that when we have a complete, mathematical and dynamic interpretation > of Marx's theory of the laws of motion of capitalism we will find that > there are important and essential relations between the logical method > of simultaneous and sequential determination. He was more concerned with explaining a complex dynamic process in which there are tendencies and counter-tendencies and *lots and lots* of variables (and hence uncertain outcomes). Although he hinted that it might be possible (can't recall the reference off-hand) it's unclear whether he thought that the law(s) of motion could be formally presented in a mathematical model. The "drive to formalize" (to coin an exprssion) is a primarily 20th Century development in economic thought. The real question here is whether the theory can be truncated without doing an injustice to grasping the complexities of the real subject matter. Instead of truncating, I think what's needed is expansion into matters essential to comprehending the subject matter such as classes, the state, foreign trade, and the world market. In solidarity, Jerry
This archive was generated by hypermail 2.1.5 : Sun Sep 30 2007 - 00:00:05 EDT