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1) What does Heilbroner mean by the economic problem ?
Robert Heilbroner believed that economics is essentially the study of a process we find in all human societies. In addition to that, Heilbroner believed that the economic problem was simply the process of providing for the material well being of the society. Heilbroner was able to bring light to the idea that we ourselves as humans are the major source of our economic problems and not nature. Although nature might seem to be what sets the scene for the economic problem because of how people have to struggle for existence in the society, it is not the sole reason for it. For example with the dynamics of the society now where a persons social status is closely connected to the possession of material goods, and as we grow wealthier we keep wanting more of these goods. This is what brings up …show more content…
Our wants and needs surpass the ability and availability of resources to produce the goods we desire. Therefore, the economic problem scarcity is not only a fault of nature, but also human nature. So Heilbroner’s description of the economic problem can basically be explained by saying that we have this economic problem of trying to provide for the well being of the society because of the greedy appetite of the human being and the productive capability of the community that cannot match up.
2) What are the non-market principles of economic organization, according to Polanyi? A market economy system is said to imply a self-regulating system of markets. It is an economy directed by market prices. Since such a system is capable of organizing the whole economic life without any outside help or interference, it certainly deserves to be called self-regulating. Moreover, Polanyi stated that no society or