Abstract
Von Bortkiewicz commences his analysis of Marx with an
assertion, viz., that there is a quantitative disagreement between
value and price of production, or granting an approximate exactness,
a quantitative disagreement between value and price constituting a
specific characteristic of Marx:
"The quantitative incongruity of value and price (more
precisely: price of production) forms a specific characteristic
of Marx's theory of the capitalist economy."
(von Bortkiewicz, 1952, p. 5)
Far from proceeding next to qualify or substantiate his
claims on Marx, von Bortkiewicz presents us instead with a theory of
value. This, he does
"in order to avoid misunderstandings due to the multiple
significance of the concept of value." (von Bortkiewicz, 1952, p.6)
At first glance, he has a sui generis way of proceeding. He pleads to
avoid "misunderstandings" by means of providing several understandings.
The "multiple significance of the concept of value" looks like a
contradiction in terms.
Von Bortkiewicz's observations on value are most helpful,
as he would explain to us more precisely how value can have not one
but many meanings, multiple meanings according to him. To his
explanations, we proceed next.
