ABSTRACT
Thomas Robert Malthus (pronounced MAL-thuss) is one of the more controversial figures in the history of economics. He achieved fame chiefly from the population doctrine that is now closely linked with his name. Contrary to eighteenth-century views that it was possible to improve average living standards, Malthus held that any improvements would cause the population to grow and reverse these gains. Malthus also sparked controversy with his contemporaries over questions of theory (by holding that economies can experience prolonged bouts of high unemployment), and on policy issues (by arguing against free trade and against government assistance to the poor).
