Value Theory
The system of gross and netting actually used, is ultimately based on a value theory, which specifies what may generally count as:
- comparable value (value equivalence)
- value decrease
- value increase
- conserved value
- transferred value
- newly created value
In other words, we cannot relate, group and aggregate prices in different ways without making some value-based assumptions that enable valid comparisons. Without those value assumptions, the aggregates themselves would be meaningless. Thus, when economists focus on market-prices, value assumptions are always in the back of their mind, even if they are not aware of that, and regard value theory as metaphysical.
Neo-classical economics rejects any value theory other than subjective marginal utility preferences, but social accountants who provide the empirical data for their economic science cannot regard value as simply subjective. Otherwise, anything can count as anything, according to subjective preference, and any old computation is permissible.
Read more about this topic: Double Counting (accounting)
Famous quotes containing the word theory:
“We commonly say that the rich man can speak the truth, can afford honesty, can afford independence of opinion and action;—and that is the theory of nobility. But it is the rich man in a true sense, that is to say, not the man of large income and large expenditure, but solely the man whose outlay is less than his income and is steadily kept so.”
—Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–1882)
“Lucretius
Sings his great theory of natural origins and of wise conduct; Plato
smiling carves dreams, bright cells
Of incorruptible wax to hive the Greek honey.”
—Robinson Jeffers (1887–1962)