Population as a global priority?

Abstract

This article addresses the question of whether a lower global population size would be preferable to a higher one. It argues that conventional wisdom favors lower population sizes due to concerns about resource scarcity and environmental degradation. However, the author takes a total well-being view, which considers the intrinsic value of additional lives, and argues that this view may recommend larger population sizes. The author also examines whether population size affects extinction risks, particularly technological risks, and finds that the answer is unclear. The author concludes that while there is a case for favoring a lower population size relative to conventional wisdom, more direct and effective levers for speeding up social progress relative to technological progress should be considered. – AI-generated abstract.