MODERN INTERPRETATION OF MALTHUS'S THEORY OF POPULATION

Malthus's Essay on the Principle of Population argues that it is impossible continuously to improve the life of human society due to the law of nature, according to which the number of population increases in a geometrical ratio (1, 2, 4, 8, etc) and subsistence only in an arithmetical ratio (1, 2, 3, 4, etc). According to Malthus, the poverty reason is unfavorable ratio of population growth and the subsistence growth. Malthus supported the idea of the birth rate reduction. But the history showed that his idea is groundless. Absolute overpopulation has never been observed in any country. However, Malthus's Essay on Population caused great argument worldwide. In 20th century some scientists approved his ideas. Some of Georgian economists also share his ideas. For example, professor A. Jibuti thinks that humanity should be grateful for his warning. But differently thinks A. Silagadze, who notes, that Malthusian theory is absolutely inadmissible. Professor Chumburidze remarks that Malthus is an odious figure in the history of economical thought. Professor G. Mankiw considers that the Malthus's ideas are the worst predictions for mankind.