Differentiate between cardinal utility approach and indifference curve approach
Question
Differentiate between cardinal utility approach and indifference curve approach
Solution
Sure, here is the differentiation between the cardinal utility approach and the indifference curve approach:
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Basis of Theory:
- Cardinal Utility Approach: This approach is based on the assumption that utility can be measured and expressed in cardinal numbers like 1, 2, 3, etc.
- Indifference Curve Approach: This approach is based on the assumption that utility cannot be measured in cardinal numbers. It can only be expressed in ordinal numbers, i.e., in terms of ranks like 1st, 2nd, 3rd, etc.
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Concept of Utility:
- Cardinal Utility Approach: It believes in the concept of total utility and marginal utility.
- Indifference Curve Approach: It believes in the concept of levels of satisfaction.
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Measurement of Utility:
- Cardinal Utility Approach: Utility is measurable and can be expressed quantitatively.
- Indifference Curve Approach: Utility is not measurable. It can only be expressed qualitatively.
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Nature of Analysis:
- Cardinal Utility Approach: It involves a one-commodity analysis.
- Indifference Curve Approach: It involves a two-commodity analysis.
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Concept of Consumer's Equilibrium:
- Cardinal Utility Approach: In this approach, the consumer reaches equilibrium when the marginal utility of a commodity per unit of price is the same for all commodities.
- Indifference Curve Approach: In this approach, the consumer reaches equilibrium when the marginal rate of substitution is equal to the ratio of prices of two commodities.
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Change in Taste and Preferences:
- Cardinal Utility Approach: This approach assumes that the consumer's taste and preferences remain constant.
- Indifference Curve Approach: This approach assumes that the consumer's taste and preferences may change.
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Use of Mathematics:
- Cardinal Utility Approach: This approach uses simple arithmetic.
- Indifference Curve Approach: This approach uses advanced mathematical techniques like calculus.
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Realism:
- Cardinal Utility Approach: This approach is less realistic as it is based on several unrealistic assumptions.
- Indifference Curve Approach: This approach is more realistic as it is based on fewer and more realistic assumptions.
Similar Questions
The indifference approach is based on the notion of ordinal utilityTrueFalse
Compare and contrast the marginal utility approach with the indifference curve approach inunderstanding consumer behaviour.
What is the purpose of an indifference curve in the Ordinal Utility Theory?To measure utility in utils.To show all combinations of goods that give the consumer equal satisfaction.To represent the law of diminishing marginal utility.To measure the total utility of a good
From the perspective of indifference approach, the size of utility differences can be established.TrueFalse
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