How would Malthus view the outbreaks of bubonic plague in Europe from 1334 to 1354, the smallpox epidemic in 1707 that devastated the populations of Mexico and the West Indies, and today's worldwide AIDS epidemic?
A) As divine punishment for sin
B) As checks on population growth
C) As natural consequences of globalization
D) As unnecessary and destabilizing

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Malthus viewed disease and epidemics as checks on population growth, and believed that they were necessary to prevent overpopulation and its negative consequences. Therefore, he would likely view these outbreaks as necessary checks on population growth, even though they caused significant suffering and loss of life.

How Would Malthus View the Outbreaks of Bubonic Plague in Europe