Category: Foundations of Economics
Join us to gain knowledge on fundamental economic theories, their practical applications, and the foundations of economics. By exploring the basic principles and concepts that underpin economic analysis, you will gain a deeper understanding of how markets work, how resources are allocated, and how individuals, businesses, and governments make decisions about production, consumption, and distribution. Whether you are interested in pursuing a career in economics or simply want to better understand the world around you, our program provides a solid foundation for continued learning and growth.
Importance of Social Interaction
Social interaction is fundamental for human well-being and societal evolution. It cultivates relational growth, community spirit, and support mechanisms, promoting empathy, understanding, and communication. Yet, individuals often require help navigating social environments, particularly in the digital age. As such, participation plays an indispensable role in personal and communal development. Additionally, understanding social conflicts stemming from differing ideas, beliefs, and status can lead to a more peaceful, equitable society.
Competitive and Complete Markets
Let us discuss the nature of competitive and complete markets in economics. A competitive market is characterized by multiple buyers and sellers who have no control over market prices. Conversely, a complete market involves trade in all possible goods with no future price uncertainty. While both types feature many market participants, they differ substantially regarding certainty about future prices. Markets play a crucial societal role, contributing to efficient resource allocation and allowing freedom of choice. However, market failures like externalities and information asymmetry drive the need for appropriate regulation.
Preferences and Utility Theory
Preferences and utility theory are critical concepts in microeconomics, explaining household decision-making behavior. Preferences refer to how households make choices necessary to satisfy their needs when comparing bundles of goods. Utility theory uses mathematical concepts to express these preferences and elucidate household satisfaction levels. Rational preferences must meet completeness, transitiveness, continuity, convexity, and monotonousness. Various preferences exist, including substitutes, complements, perfect and imperfect substitutes, and perfect compliments. Preference and utility theory ultimately help derive the formal opportunity costs of alternatives in household theory.
Elasticity in Economics
Elasticity in economics represents the sensitivity of economic parameters like demand, supply, and prices, among others, to changes in affecting factors. It includes price elasticity of demand, which assesses demand changes if prices increase, and income and cross-price elasticity in household theory. Additionally, direct and indirect price elasticity of demand are derived mathematically. Also, firm and market theories apply elasticity to assess the price sensitivity of input demand, production, firm supply, and market representation.