The Value of Nothing Analysis
Paper #1
In The Value of Nothing, Raj Patel makes the argument that we are encouraged by culture to think of ourselves as essentially greedy, selfish, pleasure seeking, and utility-maximizing individuals. Patel introduces the concept of homo-economicus, which states humans are covetous and self-centered beings who are solely interested in maximizing their resources and profit. During my first semester here at Babson, I had the pleasure of taking Honors Applied Calculus II, a course that focused on the business applications of calculus and how quantitative methods could potentially be used in the field of business. Throughout this course, we were challenged to maximize our materials with linear optimization and the use of calculus. We were taught to minimize costs, minimize labor, and thoroughly evaluate our company’s status mathematically. Therefore, Raj Patel’s argument that we are encouraged to think of ourselves as utility-maximizing individuals because of our culture is evident in mathematics because our relationship with nature is strictly quantitative, and does not measure the effects that we impart on it.
During my Calculus class, we were taught how to optimize labor, inventory, and profit. This could be done through linear equations or through the use of derivatives and integrals. Linear equations were often unable to account for financial decisions, but often were used to find the minimum amount of labor needed to complete a task or manufacture a certain product line. On the other hand, the fundamental theorem of calculus was used to maximize profit, revenue, inventory turnover, and product consumption. It could also be used to minimize cost of goods sold, operating expenses, and inventory carrying costs. These ideas were the basis of my calculus class, and in turn encouraged me to think quantitatively when making executive decisions. According to the syllabus, “Babson students are encouraged to think logically, reason quantitatively, develop and modify
In The Value of Nothing, Raj Patel makes the argument that we are encouraged by culture to think of ourselves as essentially greedy, selfish, pleasure seeking, and utility-maximizing individuals. Patel introduces the concept of homo-economicus, which states humans are covetous and self-centered beings who are solely interested in maximizing their resources and profit. During my first semester here at Babson, I had the pleasure of taking Honors Applied Calculus II, a course that focused on the business applications of calculus and how quantitative methods could potentially be used in the field of business. Throughout this course, we were challenged to maximize our materials with linear optimization and the use of calculus. We were taught to minimize costs, minimize labor, and thoroughly evaluate our company’s status mathematically. Therefore, Raj Patel’s argument that we are encouraged to think of ourselves as utility-maximizing individuals because of our culture is evident in mathematics because our relationship with nature is strictly quantitative, and does not measure the effects that we impart on it.
During my Calculus class, we were taught how to optimize labor, inventory, and profit. This could be done through linear equations or through the use of derivatives and integrals. Linear equations were often unable to account for financial decisions, but often were used to find the minimum amount of labor needed to complete a task or manufacture a certain product line. On the other hand, the fundamental theorem of calculus was used to maximize profit, revenue, inventory turnover, and product consumption. It could also be used to minimize cost of goods sold, operating expenses, and inventory carrying costs. These ideas were the basis of my calculus class, and in turn encouraged me to think quantitatively when making executive decisions. According to the syllabus, “Babson students are encouraged to think logically, reason quantitatively, develop and modify
Cited: Berry, Wendell. "Two Economies." Every Man An Artist: Readings in the Traditional Philosophy of Art. 2005. 186-201. World Wisdom, Inc. <http://www.worldwisdom.com/uploads/pdfs/96.pdf>. Heidegger, Martin. “The Question Concerning Technology.” 1954. Print. <http://www.wright.edu/cola/Dept/PHL/Class/P.Internet/PITexts/QCT.html>. Bottom of Form Patel, Raj. “The Value of Nothing.” Melbourne: Black Inc, 2009. Run Wrake. “Rabbit.” New York: Stash Media. 2005. Schlesinger, Len. “Action Trumps Everything.” Massachusetts: Black Ink Press. 2010.