Overpopulation is, in my opinion, the biggest problem facing mankind. It lies behind many of our other problems – environmental devastation, mass extinctions, world poverty, unemployment, mass migration, terrorism, drought, climate change and war.
It is time that we looked into ethical ways of controlling it and put aside this ridiculous mantra of growth at all costs. Putting profit before common sense is not intelligent.
10 thoughts on “PHILOSOPHICAL RANTS#14: Population Ethics”
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It’s really good to see some serious discussion on this issue. It’s something I’ve thought about a lot. Anyone I’ve mentioned it to often immediately starts talking eugenics and I’m put off pursuing it. China’s prior policy often comes up too.
I get the same reaction Safar. But it really isn’t about eugenics or even draconian policies like the Chinese have done. But they seem to have got themselves sorted.
I think that if we took steps to raise people out of extreme poverty, provide the safety nets of pensions and social payments for illness the fertility rates would tumble. We also have to overcome certain religious and social taboos towards contraception and educate girls!
There is much that could be done. Overpopulation is responsible for so much of the environmental and social problems. It is number one for me.
I agree with what you’ve suggested too – especially the education of girls and accessibility and challenging attitudes towards contraception. I also think that having more control and choice over one’s own death is also something that needs to be considered.
Safar – you mean being able to auto-euthanize? I would be in agreement on that but I’m not sure that would really impact on population size.
Totally on board with ya, Opher. In fact, this is what our Sunday School class was about last Sunday. It’s sure a loaded opic, but one that has to be dealt with or it will be to our detriment.
Hi Cheryl – I just wish I could see signs of countries getting to grips with it on a global basis.
Some solutions to things seem so simple. I was watching a documentary on carbon emissions the other day and how much carbon trees scrub from the air. Now that we’ve cut down so many trees that amount has become less and less and, of course, the carbon is building up. But they’ve figured out if you leave the chaff on the ground (winnowing) instead of plowing it under when you harvest your crops, within 10 years the the soil will go from filtering 2% of the emissions to 10%. But farmers seem to be resistant to trying it even though it’s been proven.
Life has shown me that human beings are neither intelligent nor rational. They are creatures of habit who get fixed opinions regardless of the facts. I despair.
You left out self-centered… (rolls eyes…) It’s all about ME!
Well that is true too Cheryl. We are certainly self-centred.