Date: Fri, 26 Aug 1994 14:36:40 +0800
From: NOHARAPA-AT-cc.curtin.edu.au
Subject: Marx & Use Values:From POH


From:	VAX5::NOHARAPA     26-AUG-1994 14:32:29.72
CC:	NOHARAPA
Subj:	from POH


Dear Steve:  You seem to be getting plenty of comments and analysis on
the Marxist network re your work on Marx and use value/LTV. That is 
great. I've nearly responded a few times. I agree with you about the
critical importance of use-value vis-a-vis Groll/Rosdolsky and to some
extent your work. My own work centres on Marx centres on use value being
critical. I found a similar contradiction in Marx in a paper of mine
presented at a conference in 1985. Perhaps we should one day work on this
together and fuse the insights. On your specific argument, I can see what
you are saying vis-a-vis commodities in general and Marx's problem of
specifying labour power. I think it is crucial to define and work on 
use-value rigorously - it can mean many things (eg, usefulness; if it is
not demanded no use-value is recognised by exchange [which raises the 
question of supply/demand curves and their slopes/shapes]; whether
financial commodities promote use-value; bearing in mind that Marx talk of
the expansion of value through producing, modifying, spatially transforming
etc use-value; we could probably add financially propagating use values
(through demand and usefulness of financial services). Etc Etc. But of course
if we keep to the old doctrine, then the same old story goes round and 
round. One day I'll spend a few days on this and develop a more coherent
story.  best.  Phil O'Hara
Phillip O'Hara, Econ, Curtin Uni, GPO Box U1987. Perth 6001. Australia.
tel 61-9-3517761; 451-2618


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