Question
Marginal analysis and decision-making: Concept: The Fundamental Assumption of Economics All social phenomena emerge from the actions and interactions of individuals who are choosing in
Marginal analysis and decision-making:
Concept: The Fundamental Assumption of Economics
All social phenomena emerge from the actions and interactions of individuals who are choosing in response to expected marginal benefits and expected marginal costs to themselves.
Definition: Marginal is additional or incremental (amount of increase) or decremental (amount of decrease).
Should I do (choose) activity x?
MC(x) = the additional costs of doing x
MB(x) = the additional benefits of doing x
Rule:
If Expected MB(x) > Expected MC(x), do x; otherwise don't.
Application:
Would an employer ever hire anyone if the expected additional cost of his or her employment were greater than the expected marginal/additional benefit? Of course not, to do so would be irrational.
Assumptions:
In economics, we assume rationality. No one would intentionally harm themselves.
Do businesses have the ability to measure costs? Marginal costs?
How would you use this concept to determine when to get married?
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