Introduction to Economics
The universal problem of limited resources and unlimited wants creates the problem of scarcity. Introduction The study of how societies deal with scarcity is in fact to the study of the study of economics. Thus… Economics: The study of how Economics societies attempt to satisfy unlimited needs and wants with limited resources. The Foundation of Economics Terminology A Problem of Scarcity Scarce: a term used to describe items that are finite in quantity Factors of Production: (aka “economic resources”, or the “means of production”) scarce items used in the production of other goods and services. They fall into four broad categories: Land, sea, and air 1. land as well as all resources that come from it. Human effort, 2. labour be it physical, mental, or creative. Tools used in the production process, 3. capital i.e. mechanical, technological, facilities Human resource engaged in management of 4. entrepreneurship the first three economic resources More on Opportunity Cost Economic Choice: Describes any decision that one is Opportunity cost can be a bit confusing. In fact, it can forced to make when they find that they do not have remind us of the old philosophical question, “If a tree enough resources to satisfy all of their needs or wants. falls in a forest, and there is nobody there to hear it, The goal then becomes the maximization of utility (i.e. does it make a sound?” welfare, pleasure, satisfaction). Opportunity cost does “Out-of-Pocket” Cost: The cost associated with an Until a person gives not describe any price. it up, it’s not an economic decision that requires one to forfeit current opportunity cost! economic resources.
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