The term value in use designates with the classical economists (e.g. Adam Smith, David Ricardo), in particular then in the theory of Karl Marx the concrete use, which a commodity for its owner has.

The value in use is only one side of the value of a commodity. Together with the exchange value it stands for the so-called double character of the value of a commodity.

The value in use is closely bound to the concrete physical characteristics of the respective commodity and depends strongly on the subjective considerations of each owner of goods. Due to the different thus in each case evaluation of the goods it comes in a be-producing, arbeitsteiligen society to the goods exchange.

"Bread" has a high value in use, it for the hungry cutter manufactures it however not: It tries to exchange. As long as "bread" is on the market, the cutter has to buy the possibility the commodity "bread". The commodity "bread" has a concrete value in use for the hungry cutter however only then if it acquired it and so that "bread" can actually use, i.e. verzehren here.

The value in use of a certain thing determines itself on the basis its availability and usefulness in the comparison with other things which can be used homogeneously. Under free market conditions availability and usefulness of a certain value in use depend always also on its price, i.e. on the exchange value of the commodity concerned. Therefore value in use and exchange value always exist as two sides of a thing in the free-market economy. The fact that Marx in its analysis of the determination of data awards the primary role to the value in use in relation to the exchange value rises from its materialistic, philosophical world view, with which he seeks to fathom the nature and the origin of the things, which are hidden behind the idealistic, socially coined/shaped over-formings.

(Note: During superficial view of the analysis supplied by Marx however also the wrong impression can develop, for Marx measures out to the value in use quasi an origin power, which rose from ursprungsmythischem thinking, a search for the Paradies, which never gave it in the emphatic sense. The same applies to Urkommunismus and others into the past projected desire things.)

Quotations

"The value in use carries out itself only in the use or the Konsumtion. Values in use form material contents of the wealth, which is always its social form. In the company form which can be regarded from us to they form the material carriers of the exchange value at the same time." (MEW 23, S.50)

"A thing can be value in use, without being value. It is this the case, if its use for humans is not mediated by work." (MEW 23, S.55)

See also

• Worth, luxury
• Commodity and value in use

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• Explanation of the value in use

Articles in category "Value in use"

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