What is the Malthus Theorem?
A) the belief that if people define situations as real, they are real in their consequences
B) the idea that population grows geometrically and the food supply only increases arithmetically
C) the belief that language influences culture
D) a three-stage explanation of how populations increase, stabilize, and then decrease

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The Malthus Theorem, also known as the Malthusian Theory, is the idea that population grows geometrically (exponentially) while the food supply only increases arithmetically (linearly). This theory was introduced by economist Thomas Malthus in his 1798 book "An Essay on the Principle of Population." He believed that population growth would eventually outpace food production, leading to mass hunger, poverty, and even social unrest.

What Is the Malthus Theorem