The Economics Book

IN CONTEXT

FOCUS

Growth and development

KEY THINKER

Thomas Malthus (1766–1834)

BEFORE

17th century Mercantilist thought argues that a large populace benefits the economy.

1785 French philosopher Marquis de Condorcet argues for social reform to raise living standards.

1793 English philosopher William Godwin advocates the redistribution of national resources to help the poor.

AFTER

1870s Karl Marx attacks Malthus’s ideas, characterizing him as a reactionary defender of the status quo.

1968 US ecologist Garrett Hardin warns of the dangers of overpopulation in his essay The Tragedy of the Commons.

During the 18th century enlightened thinkers began to consider ...