laborértékek

Laborértékek, or labor values, is a concept in economics and political economy that refers to the value of goods and services determined by the amount of labor required to produce them. This concept is central to the labor theory of value, which is a major component of the economic theories of classical economics and Marxian economics.

In the labor theory of value, the exchange value of a commodity is determined by the amount of socially necessary labor time invested in its production. Socially necessary labor time is the average labor time required to produce a commodity under normal conditions of production, using the prevailing technology and skill levels. This theory posits that the value of a commodity is independent of the subjective preferences of consumers or the supply and demand dynamics in the market.

The concept of laborértékek was prominently developed by classical economists such as Adam Smith and David Ricardo. Smith, in his seminal work "The Wealth of Nations," argued that the value of a commodity is derived from the labor embodied in it. Ricardo further refined this idea, emphasizing that the value of a commodity is determined by the labor time required to produce it, rather than the labor time actually employed.

In Marxian economics, the labor theory of value is a fundamental principle. Karl Marx expanded on the ideas of Smith and Ricardo, introducing the concept of surplus value, which is the difference between the value produced by workers and the value they receive in the form of wages. This concept is crucial to Marx's critique of capitalism and his analysis of class struggle.

Critics of the labor theory of value argue that it does not adequately explain the determination of prices in a market economy. They point out that factors such as scarcity, utility, and subjective preferences also play significant roles in determining the value of goods and services. Despite these criticisms, the concept of laborértékek remains an important theoretical framework in economic thought, particularly in the analysis of exploitation and class relations.