(L3) T.R. Malthus Essay on Population: Chapter 1,2,5

Question 1

What significant developments occurred in natural philosophy and knowledge in recent years?

Answer 1

Significant discoveries in natural philosophy and widespread knowledge due to printing.

Question 2

What characterizes the era’s spirit of inquiry and political insights?

Answer 2

An unshackled spirit of inquiry and extraordinary new insights into political subjects.

Question 3

How is the French Revolution described in this context?

Answer 3

As a major political phenomenon, likened to a blazing comet, impacting global perspectives.

Question 4

What is the central debate regarding human progress?

Answer 4

Whether humanity will advance towards unprecedented improvement or remain in a cycle of happiness and misery.

Question 5

What is the perspective of advocates for current systems?

Answer 5

They view reformists as either deceitful or naive.

Question 6

How do advocates for perfectibility view defenders of current systems?

Answer 6

As prejudiced or benefiting from existing abuses.

Question 7

What are the main obstacles to truth in this debate?

Answer 7

Lack of engagement in addressing each other’s arguments and fixed theories.

Question 8

What are Malthus’ two postulates in his Essay on Population?

Answer 8

1) Food is necessary for existence.
2) Sexual reproduction is a constant.

Question 9

How does Malthus describe the growth rates of population and food supply?

Answer 9

Population grows geometrically, while food supply grows arithmetically.

Question 10

What does Malthus conclude about the possibility of a perfect, equal society?

Answer 10

He argues that it’s not possible due to natural laws, and struggle and inequality are inevitable.

Question 11

How does Malthus explain the growth of population and subsistence?

Answer 11

Population grows geometrically, while subsistence (food supply) increases arithmetically.

Question 12

What example does Malthus use to illustrate rapid population growth?

Answer 12

The United States, where population was doubling every 25 years due to fewer checks to early marriages.

Question 13

What does Malthus say about the potential for agricultural improvement to keep up with population growth?

Answer 13

Even with optimal agriculture, subsistence can’t keep pace with potential population growth.

Question 14

What is the oscillation of population and subsistence according to Malthus?

Answer 14

A cyclical pattern where population growth leads to distress, then increased agricultural efforts, temporarily balancing subsistence with population.

Question 15

What is Malthus’ view on the inevitability of misery and vice in society?

Answer 15

He concludes that no societal structure can prevent misery or vice among a significant part of the population.

Question 16

What does Malthus mean by ‘positive check to population’?

Answer 16

Measures that repress population increase, mainly affecting the lower social orders, such as high child mortality.

Question 17

What impact do poor laws have according to Malthus?

Answer 17

They fail to alleviate poverty significantly and may lead to reduced work ethic and dependency.

Question 18

What would happen if wealth were redistributed without increasing food supply?

Answer 18

It would only raise food prices, not improve living conditions, and population increase would overbalance production.

Question 19

What alternatives does Malthus propose to the existing poor laws?

Answer 19

Abolishing current poor laws, prioritizing agriculture over manufacturing, and establishing county workhouses for extreme distress.

Question 20

How does Malthus view the role of misery and vice in population control?

Answer 20

He sees them as inherent checks to population growth, noting that in Europe, population increases rapidly when these checks are removed.