Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: The question of what constitutes the optimal global population has long been a topic of debate among scholars. Historically, different perspectives, from Plato's ideal city-state size to modern utilitarian approaches, have sought to define this optimum. While economic theories like average and classical utilitarianism suggest that the optimal population maximizes either individual or societal utility, real-world complexities make it challenging to pinpoint a precise number. Factors such as technological progress, resource consumption, and regional disparities further complicate the determination of an optimal population. This paper explores these challenges, emphasizing that the notion of an optimal population is fluid and highly context-dependent. It argues for a more nuanced approach that considers the interplay of diverse factors, rather than attempting to define a single, static figure.
Author: Anthony Yang
Institution: Phillips Academy
Language: English
Subfield: Management, Monitoring, Policy and Law
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W4405589927