Abstract

This short paper is a reply to a note published by Prof. Andrea Salanti in the present issue of this journal. The discussion concerns some theoretical questions related to the analysis of surplus value. The author thinks that a correct use of algebra, or of any other formalized language, cannot prove, or disprove, the truthfulness of a cognitive statement. But he does not share Salanti's feeling of an inherent inadequacy of all formal schemes to deal in a proper way with the problems posed by the existence of causal links in the real world. Another question discussed in the paper is the alleged lack of significance of the concept of surplus value in a post-Sraffian theoretical system.