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The principle of population vs. the Malthusian trap: A classical retrospective and resuscitation

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  • Lüger, Tim

Abstract

In spite of two centuries of extensive debate, a consistent framework of the classical theory of population on which economists can universally agree has not been established. This means that either the theory lacks consistency or it has been misunderstood in important ways. This paper attempts to settle this issue by arguing that the latter was the case, revealing prevailing misconceptions. Since a large amount of these misconceptions most probably arose from the lack of a consistent nomenclature, the paper intends to clarify the classical theory of population by employing unambiguous definitions of the principle of population, the Malthusian trap, positive checks and preventive checks to population. The classical theory of population can then be applied to analyze the transition from economic stagnation to economic growth. As a result, numerous current theories trying to explain the transition to growth that are based on an increase of production will prove secondary when compared to the great preventive check.

Suggested Citation

  • Lüger, Tim, 2018. "The principle of population vs. the Malthusian trap: A classical retrospective and resuscitation," Darmstadt Discussion Papers in Economics 232, Darmstadt University of Technology, Department of Law and Economics.
    • Handle: RePEc:zbw:darddp:232
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Demographic Transition; Malthusian Trap; Unified Growth Theory; Classical Growth Theory; Positive Checks; Preventive Checks;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • B12 - Schools of Economic Thought and Methodology - - History of Economic Thought through 1925 - - - Classical (includes Adam Smith)
    • J1 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics
    • N3 - Economic History - - Labor and Consumers, Demography, Education, Health, Welfare, Income, Wealth, Religion, and Philanthropy
    • O11 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Macroeconomic Analyses of Economic Development

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