Robert Malthus was an influential English thinker whose work focused on political economy and demography. In his seminal essay, he observed that population growth inevitably clashes with limited resources, leading to checks like famine and disease. Malthus sharply countered the prevailing 18th-century optimism about societal improvement and perfectibility. He argued that the dangers of overpopulation precluded progress toward a utopian society and were divinely imposed to teach virtuous behavior. His ideas, emphasizing long-term economic stability over short-term expediency and criticizing Poor Laws, impacted economic, political, and scientific thought and remain subjects of intense debate.
This scholarly edition of Malthus' Essay on Population is presented in two volumes, tailored for students. It offers an in-depth exploration of Malthus' theories on population dynamics, providing critical insights and context that enhance understanding of his influential work. The edition is designed to facilitate academic study and engagement with Malthus' arguments and their implications.
As It Affects The Future Improvement Of Society With Remarks On The Speculations Of Mr. Godwin, M. Condorcet
Exploring the relationship between population growth and societal progress, this essay critiques the ideas of contemporary thinkers like Godwin and Condorcet. It argues that unchecked population increase can hinder social improvement and presents a thought-provoking analysis of how demographic trends influence economic and social structures. The author delves into the implications of population dynamics on future societal advancements, making a case for the necessity of population control to foster a better society.
The book presents a critical analysis of population growth and its implications, arguing that while population expands geometrically, food supply increases only arithmetically. This disparity raises alarming concerns about future sustenance for humanity. The author supports this thesis with extensive research, highlighting the potential crises that may arise from unchecked population growth and limited resources.
Set in 1796, the narrative revolves around Mr. Malthus, who believes in the inevitability of human progress, contrasting sharply with his son Thomas's skepticism. Thomas challenges the optimistic view of perpetual advancement, prompting a father-son dialogue that explores their differing beliefs. Mr. Malthus encourages Thomas to articulate his objections, setting the stage for a thoughtful examination of the concepts of progress and the potential limitations of human development.
Der Entdecker der »Bevölkerungsfalle« neu gelesen: ein Klassiker der Nationalökonomie aus dem Giftschrank der Ideengeschichte. Seinen Kritikern galt er als Vertreter eines brutalen Sozialdarwinismus, seinen Bewunderern als wirtschaftswissenschaftlicher Realist. Die einen beschimpften ihn als Apologeten einer Ausbeutung bis zum Tode, andere sahen ihn als Vordenker des staatlichen Interventionismus gegen die Willkür der Marktgesetze. Von seinen Zeitgenossen Darwin, Ricardo und Shelley, über Marx und Keynes bis Foucault ist die Auseinandersetzung mit Malthus ein konstanter Topos der kritischen Sozialwissenschaften. Gleichzeitig hat jede Generation des soziologischen und ökonomischen Diskurses auch ihre Neomalthusianer, die beharrlich auf das Wachstum als Heilsbringer setzen. In Zeiten der Klimakrise und zunehmender Migrationsbewegungen ist Malthus' Hauptwerk Das Bevölkerungsgesetz wieder brandaktuell. Nicht weil er die Antworten auf die Probleme unserer Gegenwart zu liefern vermag, sondern weil das berühmt-berüchtigte Paradigma vom Zusammenhang von Bevölkerungsgröße und Armut auf ihn zurückgeht. Ein gefährlicher Klassiker, der heute mehr denn je nach einer Neulektüre verlangt
