----------------- HES POSTING ----------------- John Womack asks: "Isn't this a circular definition of "utility"? That "utility" is anything for which a price is paid?" I'm not sure I said that. I said "...isn't it self-evident that having paid a price to acquire it [an ostentation or collectible good] there is utility?" I intended to ask if paying a price for a good isn't evidence that it has the characteristic of utility for the purchaser. Other examples of utility might be simply use (picking up a stick from the ground to aid in walking, no exchange, no price paid) or enjoyment (a smile when hitting a gold ball with that new titanium club). Scott Cullen ------------ FOOTER TO HES POSTING ------------ For information, send the message "info HES" to [log in to unmask]