You have an option to hire 2 hunters.
The first hunter is able to kill two deers in an hour, the other hunter is able to kill one deer in an hour.
Do you, without a doubt, hire the first hunter because he has an absolute advantage?
My question is that as there is only one variable- killing deer, you cannot apply comparative advantage but do you still, without a doubt, hire the first hunter because he maximises output for the given resource or is it not possible to determine an answer?
Since there is only one variable given, I would have plenty of doubts.
e.g., what if the good hunter charges $300 per day while the lesser hunter charges only $100. Or, what if I have all day and only want one deer.
So, I would answer 'no'
In this scenario, it seems like you are referring to the concept of absolute advantage and comparative advantage. Absolute advantage refers to an individual's ability to produce more units of a good or service compared to others, whereas comparative advantage refers to an individual's lower opportunity cost in producing a particular good or service.
Since there is only one variable in this situation (killing deer), you are correct that we cannot apply the concept of comparative advantage. Instead, we can focus on the concept of maximizing output for the given resources.
Given that the first hunter can kill two deer in an hour and the second hunter can kill one deer in an hour, it may be tempting to hire the first hunter without a doubt because they have a higher rate of deer kills. However, there are a few factors to consider before making a decision:
1. Efficiency: While the first hunter can kill more deer per hour, it is crucial to assess their overall efficiency. Are they consistently able to maintain these high numbers, or is there a chance that their performance might decline over time? It is important to consider the sustainable productivity of each hunter.
2. Cost: Apart from the number of deer killed, you should also evaluate the cost associated with each hunter. Do they require different compensation or resources to perform their job? Hiring the first hunter may be more expensive if their demand for compensation is higher.
3. Resource availability: If the goal is to maximize the number of deer killed, it is vital to evaluate the availability of deer in the hunting area. If there is an abundance of deer, hiring the first hunter would be more beneficial. However, if the number of deer is limited, it might be more efficient to distribute the workload evenly and hire both hunters.
Considering these factors, it is not possible to definitively determine whether you should hire the first hunter without a doubt. You will need to examine the specific circumstances, efficiency, cost, and resource availability to make an informed decision. Remember, even without the concept of comparative advantage, it is still essential to consider various aspects before hiring anyone.