Critics raise a number of objections to the claim that the maximization of profits will always promote the general welfare. They argue that there are such things as “market failures.” For example, they argue that externalities provide examples of efficien

Critics raise a number of objections to the claim that the maximization of profits will always promote the general welfare. They argue that there are such things as “market failures.” For example, they argue that externalities provide examples of efficiently functioning markets failing to achieve optimal results. Common example of externalities would be such things as air pollution, ground water contamination and depletion, soil erosion, and nuclear waste disposal. The costs of such problems are borne by parties (e.g., people downwind, neighbors, future generations) who are not part of the exchange between seller and buyer. How does the claim that externalities constitute an objection to the claim that the maximization of profits will always promote the general welfare? Do you agree? Why, or why not? Explain.

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