Author
T. R. (Thomas Robert) Malthus
1766-1834
T. R. (Thomas Robert) Malthus (1766-1834) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
WikipediaSubjects
Books by T. R. (Thomas Robert) Malthus
An Essay on the Principle of Population
"An Essay on the Principle of Population" by T. R. Malthus is a book first published anonymously in 1798. It warns that population grows geometrically while food production increases arithmetically, inevitably leading to famine unless birth rates decrease. Malthus argued that population growth condemns segments of humanity to poverty, as societies expand during prosperous times until resources become insufficient. The work influenced both the census movement and Darwin's theory of natural selection.
An Inquiry into the Nature and Progress of Rent, and the Principles by Which It is Regulated
"An Inquiry into the Nature and Progress of Rent, and the Principles by Which It Is Regulated" by The Rev. T. R. Malthus is a scholarly treatise on economics written in the early 19th century. This publication focuses on the complex concept of rent in relation to land, agriculture, and the overarching principles that influence economic conditions. Malthus, a prominent figure in the field of political economy and history, aims to dissect the dynamics of rent as it pertains to the cultivation of land and its implications on societal wealth and labor. In this work, Malthus explores the foundational causes and implications of rent, arguing against prevalent economic doctrines by investigating the relationship between land quality, agricultural yield, and population dynamics. He posits that rent arises as a natural result of the capacity of fertile land to produce more food than is necessary for the laborers who cultivate it. Through rigorous analysis, Malthus highlights three main factors contributing to high produce prices, which subsequently affect rent: the inherent quality of the soil, the demand for necessities created due to population growth, and the limited availability of fertile land. He concludes that a clear understanding of rent's nature is crucial not only for economists but also for policymakers, as it influences labor conditions, agricultural practices, and the equitable distribution of wealth within society.
The Grounds of an Opinion on the Policy of Restricting the Importation of Foreign Corn Intended as an appendix to "Observations on the corn laws"
"The Grounds of an Opinion on the Policy of Restricting the Importation of Foreign Corn; intended as an Appendix to 'Observations on the Corn Law'" by the Rev. T.R. Malthus is a political economy treatise written in the early 19th century, during a time when public policy regarding agricultural trade was a hotly debated issue in England. The book examines the arguments for and against the restriction of foreign corn imports amidst fluctuating domestic prices and agricultural challenges, ultimately presenting Malthus's reasoning for supporting some level of restrictions on imports to safeguard the agricultural sector and national wealth. In this work, Malthus reviews the consequences of both unrestricted grain trade and the proposed protections for domestic agriculture. He references recent agricultural distress resulting from low grain prices and highlights the need for a stable domestic supply to support a growing population. Malthus discusses the potential economic fallout from a reliance on foreign supplies, pointing to the specific legislative actions of neighboring countries and the impact on British farmers and laborers. His conclusions are carefully reasoned, advocating for a cautious balance between free trade and agricultural protectionism to mitigate national risks while considering the interests of diverse societal classes affected by these policies.
Observations on the Effects of the Corn Laws, and of a Rise or Fall in the Price of Corn on the Agriculture and General Wealth of the Country
"Observations on the Effects of the Corn Laws, and of a Rise or Fall in the Price of Corn on the Agriculture and General Wealth of the Country" by the Rev. T.R. Malthus is a scholarly examination written in the early 19th century, specifically during the Regency era. This work is primarily an economic treatise that discusses the effects of the Corn Laws on agriculture and the broader economic wellbeing of Britain. Malthus critically analyzes the implications of these laws and the fluctuations in corn prices, providing a thorough assessment relevant to policymakers of his time. In this detailed analysis, Malthus argues against the prevailing ideas of his contemporaries, particularly those put forth by Adam Smith regarding corn's unique economic position. He investigates the relationship between the prices of corn and labor, emphasizing that the impact of corn prices is not as direct as some economists claim. Malthus contends that the Corn Laws should be evaluated for their potential benefits and detriments concerning agricultural productivity and economic stability. He ultimately posits that while an independent supply of corn is commonly sought, there are significant complications and sacrifices involved in maintaining such a system. Through a balanced consideration of various economic factors, Malthus aims to guide legislative decisions regarding agricultural policy in a way that considers the broader implications for society's wealth and health.
Definitions in Political Economy, Preceded by an Inquiry Into the Rules which Ought to Guide Political Economists in the Definition and Use of Their Terms; with Remarks on the Deviation from These Rules in Their Writings
"Definitions in Political Economy" by T. R. Malthus is a scientific publication written in the early 19th century. This work aims to analyze and clarify the terms and definitions used in the discipline of political economy, highlighting the importance of precise language and common understanding in economic discussions. Malthus seeks to address the confusion that arises from differing interpretations among economists, thereby laying the groundwork for a more consistent and practical approach to economic theory. At the start of the publication, Malthus introduces the concept that the ambiguity in the definitions of economic terms has led to significant misunderstandings in political economy. He discusses the necessity of establishing clear rules for the definition and application of key terms, such as wealth, value, and capital. Through examples of prominent economists like Adam Smith, he aims to establish standards for clarity and consistency in the field, emphasizing the role of commonly understood language in facilitating effective communication and comprehension among economists and the broader society. The opening serves as a foundation for Malthus's critical examination of existing definitions as he navigates through the complexities of economic terminology.
The Measure of Value Stated and Illustrated With an Application of it to the Alterations in the Value of the English Currency since 1790
"The Measure of Value Stated and Illustrated" by T. R. Malthus is a scientific publication written in the early 19th century. This work explores the concepts of value, particularly focusing on the relationship between the value of goods and currency in the context of economic theory. It aims to establish a measure of value that can accurately reflect the worth of commodities amid varying economic conditions. In the book, Malthus delves into the two principal meanings of value: "value in use" and "value in exchange." He argues that a reliable measure of value is crucial for understanding economic dynamics, specifically in evaluating wages, salaries, and overall purchasing power across time and different regions. Malthus highlights the roles of labor and profits in determining the natural prices of commodities, and discusses how changes in profits and the state of demand and supply impact commodity values. The work ultimately seeks to articulate a method for calculating the absolute and relative value of goods, emphasizing the necessity of using labor as a yardstick for economic assessment.