since all the points on a given indifference curve have the same level of utility, it must be true that all points on

higher indifference curves have greater utility than all points on lower indifference curves.

These arguments about the shapes of indifference curves and about higher or lower levels of utility do not

require any numerical estimates of utility, either by the individual or by anyone else. They are only based on

the assumptions that when people have less of one good they need more of another good to make up for it, if

they are keeping the same level of utility, and that as people have more of a good, the marginal utility they

receive from additional units of that good will diminish. Given these gentle assumptions, a field of indifference

curves can be mapped out to describe the preferences of any individual.

The Individuality of Indifference Curves

Each person determines their own preferences and utility. Thus, while indifference curves have the same
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