In this essay, I will argue that Malthus’s theory of overpopulation is not relevant, especially within contemporary politics because the problem is not “overpopulation.” There are other factors that must be taken into consideration: technological advances, preventative checks, and the total wealth of a country. Malthus was one of the first philosophers in the nineteenth century to attempt to apply mathematical concepts to society. The book foreshadowed a wretched and grim future with the notion that the population would increase geometrically (e.g 2,4,6,8…) doubling in twenty-five years. But food production would only increase arithmetically (e.g 1,2,3,4…) which would result in famine and starvation spreading among the lower class population unless births were controlled. However, the text overlooked potential improvements in agriculture such as steam-powered machines, chemical fertilizers, and genetically modified organisms (also known as GMOs). Malthus was writing during a time when technological advances were not as sufficient and poverty was a norm within society. Thus, the implication of “people can reproduce faster than they can increase food production,” mentality formed. For example, advances within food production has given nations an abundance to distribute to individuals.
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As a result, it would provide a smaller population, less poverty, and better food quality. However, all these are natural catastrophes which are not related to overpopulated countries. They visit even those countries where the population is on the decline or motionless such as Japan and
As a result, it would provide a smaller population, less poverty, and better food quality. However, all these are natural catastrophes which are not related to overpopulated countries. They visit even those countries where the population is on the decline or motionless such as Japan and