Investopedia

Continue to Site »

Thomas Malthus

Filed Under » ,
Dictionary Says

Definition of 'Thomas Malthus'

An 18th-century British philosopher and economist famous for his ideas about population growth. Malthus' population theories were outlined in his book, "An Essay on the Principle of Population", first published in 1798. In it he theorized that populations will continue to grow until growth is stopped or reversed by disease, famine, war or calamity. He developed what is now referred to as the Malthusian growth model, an exponential formula used to forecast population growth.
Investopedia Says

Investopedia explains 'Thomas Malthus'

Thomas Malthus was a controversial figure. The late 18th and early 19th centuries were marked by philosophers who believed that humanity would continue to grow and improve itself, and could create a utopian society. Malthus countered this argument by saying that, throughout history, a portion of the general population has always been poor and miserable, that this was unlikely to change and that these factors actually helped control population growth.

Articles Of Interest

  1.

    The History Of Economic Thought

    Economics is a vital part of every day life. Discover the major players who shaped its development.

  2. Why Can't Economists Agree?

    There are many reasons why economists can be given the same data and come up with entirely different conclusions.

  3. Explaining The World Through Macroeconomic Analysis

    From unemployment and inflation to government policy, learn what macroeconomics measures and how it affects everyone.

  4. How Influential Economists Changed Our History

    Find out how these five groundbreaking thinkers laid our financial foundations.

  5. Nobel Winners Are Economic Prizes

    Before you try to profit from their theories, you should learn about the creators themselves.

  6. Adam Smith: The Father Of Economics

    This free thinker promoted free trade at a time when governments controlled most commercial interests.

  7. Hetty Green: The Witch Of Wall Street

    Hetty Green was the richest woman of her time and possibly the first value investor, yet she's not remembered kindly.

  8. Muriel Siebert: Female Finance Pioneer

    Muriel Siebert has blazed many paths for investors, but is especially relevant as the first woman to sit on the NYSE.

  9. The Uncertainty Of Economics: Exploring The Dismal Science

    Learning about the study of economics can help you understand why you face contradictions in the market.

  10. The Intelligent Investor: Benjamin Graham

    Learn about the man who mentored Warren Buffett, who eventually became the investing "Oracle of Omaha".
comments powered by Disqus
Marketplace
Hot Definitions

  1. Disaster Loss

    A special type of tax-deductible loss, similar to a casualty loss, where a loss has been incurred by taxpayers who reside in an area that has been designated as a federal disaster area by the President.

  2. Fool In The Shower

    The notion that changes or policies designed to alter the course of the economy should be done slowly, rather than all at once.

  3. Pattern Day Trader

    An SEC designation for traders who trade the same security four or more times per day (buys and sells) over a five-day period, and for whom same-day trades make up at least 6% of their activity for that period.

  4. Cost-Push Inflation

    A phenomenon in which the general price levels rise (inflation) due to increases in the cost of wages and raw materials.

  5. Happiness Economics

    The formal academic study of the relationship between individual satisfaction and economic issues, such as employment and wealth.

  6. Affluenza

    A social condition arising from the desire to be more wealthy, successful or to "keep up with the Joneses." Affluenza is symptomatic of a culture that holds up financial success as one of the highest achievements.
Trading Center