A Question of Values: Overpopulation and Our Choice Between Procreative Rights and Security-Survival
Graduation Year
Fall 2013
Document Type
Open Access Senior Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelor of Arts
Department
Philosophy
Reader 1
Alex Rajczi
Rights Information
© 2013 Megan T. Latta
Abstract
This thesis analyzes the beliefs of population theorist Julian L. Simon through the creation of a harm principle. It specifically analyzes his argument that we value our freedom to choose how many children we want above all other values in the context of overpopulation and environmental destruction. The developed harm principle is meant to give us a method to decide how to balance our personal freedom with our security-survival. I begin with an overview of Simon’s work, as well as an exposition of other prominent population theorists. I then propose a principle that is a utilitarian alternative to John Stuart Mill’s Harm Principle. I apply the principle to the situation wherein overpopulation causes such great environmental damage that we must choose between upholding procreative rights and our continued survival. I conclude that in most cases we will accept limitations on our procreative freedom in order to maintain our planet and ensure our security-survival.
Recommended Citation
Latta, Megan T., "A Question of Values: Overpopulation and Our Choice Between Procreative Rights and Security-Survival" (2013). CMC Senior Theses. 746.
https://scholarship.claremont.edu/cmc_theses/746
