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Lagrange Principle of Wealth Distribution.

Authors :
Salzano, Massimo
Aluja, Jaime Gil
Arecchi, Fortunato
Colander, David
Day, Richard H.
Gallegati, Mauro
Keen, Steve
Iori, Giulia
Kirman, Alan
Lines, Marji
Medio, Alfredo
Ormerod, Paul
Rosser, J. Barkley
Solomon, Sorin
Velupillai, Kumaraswamy
Vriend, Nicolas
Zadeh, Lotfi
Alfano, Maria Rosaria
Faggini, Marisa
Chatterjee, Arnab
Source :
Econophysics of Wealth Distributions; 2005, p61-69, 9p
Publication Year :
2005

Abstract

The Lagrange principle L = f + λg → maximum! is used to maximize a function f(x) under a constraint g(x). Economists regard f(x) = U as a rational production function, which has to be maximized under the constraint of prices g(x). In physics f(x) = lnP is regarded as entropy of a stochastic system, which has to be maximized under constraint of energy g(x). In the discussion of wealth distribution it may be demonstrated that both aspects will apply. The stochastic aspect of physics leads to a Boltzmann distribution of wealth, which applies to the majority of the less affluent population. The rational approach of economics leads to a Pareto distribution, which applies to the minority of the super rich. The boundary corresponds to an economic phase transition similar to the liquid - gas transition in physical systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISBNs :
9788847003293
Database :
Complementary Index
Journal :
Econophysics of Wealth Distributions
Publication Type :
Book
Accession number :
33085808
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1007/88-470-0389-X_7