Question

Daniel is a baker who has decided to create his own brand of chain restaurants, Short and Sweet. He negotiates with three suppliers for weeks and ultimately signs contracts with these suppliers. Francis, who owns a new sugar plantation, agrees to sell Daniel freshly refined sugar on the condition that Daniel helps him advertise his brand of sugar. Diana runs an orchard and provides Daniel with fruit. She enters into the partnership knowing that she can dramatically increase her profits if she can sell fruit to Daniel. Lastly, Ryan, who owns a mill, decides to purchase a new piece of machinery so that he can sell Daniel flour at a lower price than his competitor. The end result of Daniel\'s interactions with his suppliers is that folks in his neighborhood have a chance to buy delicious baked goods at reasonable prices. This is an example of:
A) Market Failure

B) A command economy

C) The invisible Hand

D) A recession

Answer 1

Answer:

C) The invisible hand

Explanation:

Daniel here seeking to produce and increase his welfare is "led by an invisible hand" to negotiate with his suppliers and to sell goods to his neighbors in a way that everybody is better off as a result from these transactions.

This is also a clear example to what Adam Smith was referring to the invisible hand:

"in such a manner as its produce may be of the greatest value, he intends only his own gain, and he is in this, as in many other cases, led by an invisible hand to promote an end which was no part of his intention. Nor is it always the worse for the society that it was not part of it. By pursuing his own interest he frequently promotes that of the society more effectually than when he really intends to promote it. " Adam Smith, The Wealth of Nations, Book 4, Chapter 2