Tag: Economics
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Goodhart’s Law
Coined by Charles Goodhart, the principle “When a measure becomes a target, it ceases to be a good measure” highlights the unintended repercussions of emphasizing a singular metric. Originating from monetary policy observations, the principle reveals how entities adjust their behaviors in response to metrics becoming primary objectives across diverse sectors.
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Hysteresis
Hysteresis describes systems where the current state is shaped by both past and present influences. Notable for its path dependence and non-linearity, the concept is particularly relevant in disciplines such as material science, engineering, and economics.
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Adding Epicycles
In scientific modeling, adding epicycles refers to augmenting a model’s structure to accommodate unexplained data. This practice, which has its roots in ancient geocentric theories of astronomy, often compromises both the model’s simplicity and its predictive accuracy.
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Path Dependence
Path dependence underscores how past choices shape present outcomes, often solidifying specific trajectories. Elements like sunk costs and increasing returns further entrench these paths. Though rooted in economics, the principle illuminates patterns in political, technological, and sociological realms.
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Schelling Point
In game theory, a Schelling point describes an intuitive focal solution people gravitate towards without direct communication. Named after its progenitor, economist Thomas Schelling, its reach extends to realms like negotiations, economics, and international affairs, driven by common societal frameworks and references.
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Pareto Principle
The Pareto Principle articulates that a select few causes often yield a majority of results. This rule of thumb, rooted in wealth distribution observations, provides a framework for efficiency across various fields. Despite its broad applicability, it remains a guiding heuristic, not an absolute law.
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Information Asymmetry
Information asymmetry is when one group knows more than another during a deal or interaction, which can tilt the balance of power. This can lead to unfair transactions, market issues, and power imbalances in areas such as finance, health, politics, and education, impacting decision-making and overall fairness.
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Capital-Labor Ratio
The Capital-Labor Ratio is an economic indicator measuring the amount of capital available per worker in a firm or economy. It’s instrumental in determining productivity, wage levels, and employment. Changes in this ratio can significantly influence income distribution and economic growth.
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Arbitrage
Arbitrage is a financial strategy of profiting from price differences in separate markets. It involves buying low in one market and selling high in another. This tactic, which requires market knowledge and mathematical models, contributes to market efficiency and price equilibrium.