RE: Are there any truly free markets? Win 50 SP.

[kyriacos]

The question is wrong. Much like everything in life, there are always degrees of freedom (if you like to take that side of the argument).

One could argue that the markets can only be free and unregulated since no single entity or group of entities can control the chaotic ways economies function.

You argue based on the premise that the government can control the economy. This is fundamentally wrong based on physical laws. I am not going to even touch the statistical part of the argument.

Comments

[thecryptofiend]

The question is wrong

How can a question be wrong though?

One could argue that the markets can only be free and unregulated since no single entity or group of entities can control the chaotic ways economies function

I don't see how that could be argued at all. Just because all parameters of a system can't be controlled is not the same as it being free. They are two different matters.

You argue based on the premise that the government can control the economy. This is fundamentally wrong based on physical laws.

I would argue that it is not for the same reason. I didn't say that the government has absolute control over the economy.

I am not going to even touch the statistical part of the argument.

I have no idea what you mean by the statistical part.

[kyriacos]

How can a question be wrong though?

Does chair define God? <--- This way. When there is no clear definition then a question can become too arbitrary.

I don't see how that could be argued at all. Just because all parameters of a system can't be controlled is not the same as it being free. They are two different matters.

Different but with the exact same end result. Even if one tries to regulate them market one will fail since the market is not dependent in one country or a foreign pact but rather trillions of economic events that take place simultaneously. In the same way, a religious ritual cannot control the weather even if the priests believe it does so. It might control the behavior of the people dancing for rain (higher expectation) but it won't affect the possibility of rainfall.

I would argue that it is not for the same reason. I didn't say that the government has absolute control over the economy.

Trillions of economic and environmental events take place every second. I argue that the government, or better, the whims of a handful of people, cannot control a single bit of any economic event at any time. There is the illusion of control, sure, but there is no actual control.

I have no idea what you mean by the statistical part.

I am referring to the basic numbers when it comes down to an economic decision. A politician thinks that if they regulate part A of an economic affair they can effectively control how it plays out. This is never true since no single decision can effectively address all parameters of an economic affair.

[thecryptofiend]

Does chair define God? <--- This way. When there is no clear definition then a question can become too arbitrary.

I suppose that is a matter of opinion. I don't agree.

Different but with the exact same end result....

I would largely agree but I still believe that government intervention has an impact.

I am referring to the basic numbers when it comes down to an economic decision. A politician thinks that if they regulate part A of an economic affair they can effectively control how it plays out. This is never true since no single decision can effectively address all parameters of an economic affair.

I think we are in agreement here.