Is utility a measure of commodity value? On two different approaches to the subjective theory of value

Abstract

This paper reviews two theories of utility. In Jevons’ theory, utility denotes an abstract quality of a commodity and value is derived from the knowledge of the utility of a commodity. Menger, however, argued that the concept of value cannot be associated with the fact that things are useful. Goods themselves are worthless unless a human assigns value to them. It is shown that utility as a measure of commodity value is a vague concept.