Compelling Logic for Moral Degradation
Thomas Malthus and Garrett Hardin, both of whom argue strong opposition to the continually expanding world population, present compelling logic in favor of their point using distinct styles. Malthus, in his paper, “An Essay on the Principle of Population, determines by the use of mathematical evidence that natural disasters are a positive check on human population and that an increase in human population correlates to a decrease on the moral quality of current life (556); using similar forms of logical evidence, Hardin concludes in his essay, “Lifeboat Ethics: The Case Against Helping the Poor”, that humans are innately fallible and are therefore unable to provide the resources necessary to uphold subsistence (585). Though it seems as if both Thomas Malthus and Garrett Hardin express similar assessments of, and goals for, world population, each man approaches his own solution with a unique view using various rhetorical strategies.
Thomas Malthus addresses his academic audience in a logical and consequent manner; by providing multiple claims, and subsequent evidences, Malthus effectively conveys his views. Additionally, the economist provides potential scenarios and their outcomes.…