Chapter 1: Problem 19

When two individuals enter into an exchange, you can be sure that one person benefits and the other person loses. Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Explain your answer.

Short Answer

Expert verified

The statement is not accurate in the concept of economics, particularly in voluntary exchange scenarios. The idea that trade is zero-sum, with one party's gain requiring another party's loss, is not often true in voluntary exchanges, where both parties perceive a benefit. Real-life trade or exchange scenarios typically result in mutual benefits, contrary to the claim in the statement.

Step by step solution

Understanding the Statement

The statement says that every time two individuals engage in exchange, it is guaranteed that one person will benefit while the other will lose. This essentially surmises a zero-sum game, where one's gain is another's loss. Understand this statement and its implications on the concept of trade and exchange.

Evaluating the Statement

Evaluate the statement. In economics, trade is generally seen as mutually beneficial. The principle of voluntary exchange states that individuals, companies or nations engage in a transaction only if they perceive that they will be better off after the exchange. This indicates that both parties can indeed benefit from an exchange, which contradicts the given statement.

Providing Examples

Provide real-life examples to support the evaluation. For instance, when you buy a product from a store, you value the product more than the money you pay for it, and the store values your money more than keeping the product. Hence, both parties benefit from the transaction.

Formulating the Conclusion

Based on the understanding of trade and the examples provided, disagree with the statement. The notion that one party's gain requires another party's loss is not accurate in free and voluntary exchange scenarios where both sides perceive that they will be better off after their interaction. It's not always true that exchanges result in one participant being worse off than before.

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