Re: [OPE-L] commensurability of value

[Paul Cockshott <wpc@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

One can, given the relevant statistics, look at things
like
`1. the value of the real wage - number of hours required to make it
 2. changes in the value of specific commodities across space and time -
a kilo of rice
    for example
 3. changes in the rate of surplus value across space and time 

-----Original Message-----
From: OPE-L [mailto:OPE-L@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of
Gerald_A_Levy@xxxxxxx
Sent: 26 January 2005 13:17
To: OPE-L@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [OPE-L] commensurability of value

> The reason is that without value there is no commensurability of
> different capitalist systems across space or through time, making
> general laws, so general science, impossible.

Andy:

How _exactly_ *with a concept of value* is there commensurability
across space and time?   How e.g. is value created in Germany in 1860
made commensurable with value created in Japan in the 1990's?

In solidarity, Jerry

PS: >  In everyday life
> we all believe value exists - e.g. we don't stare bemused when we are
> told the GDP growth of a nation - but the Sraffian argument purports
to
> refute this existence.
I'll put this to the test:  next time I see Gary I'll mention US GDP and
see if he blankly stares off into space.