Economics was known as the "Dismal Science" because:
A)Too many people would result in food shortages and shortages of other resources.
B)It was a very complex area of study based on mathematics.
C)The world population was growing slower than expected in the 1700s,leading economists to call it a dismal period of time.
D)There were too many old people and not enough young people to care for them.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The term "Dismal Science" was first coined by Thomas Carlyle in the 19th century, who used it to criticize the early economists' predictions that population growth would lead to food shortages and resource depletion. This view was based on the work of Malthus, who argued that population growth would outstrip the supply of resources, leading to misery and poverty for most people. Carlyle saw this bleak outlook as a reflection of the dismal state of society and culture in his time. Therefore, the correct choice is A.

Economics Was Known as the "Dismal Science" Because