NHV Paper 2 “Response to a Debate” Caleb Micho October 10, 2014 Nature and Human Values ​​Section A11 Rose Pass There is no doubt that the world population increases without However, there is debate over whether this increase is a good thing or whether it will prove catastrophic. In the article “The Tragedy of the Commons” by Garrett Hardin. Hardin explains how the ever-increasing global population will deplete the world of its natural resources, and therefore man's ability to survive. On the other side of the argument is Julian L. Simon who wrote the article “More People, Greater Wealth, More Resources, a Healthier Environment.” This article proposes the theory that with increasing population, the quality of human life is amplified. One particular issue that they both address and on which they have radically different views is the future of agriculture and the human capacity to support it. Hardin explains that the world only has a limited number of resources and opportunities for agriculture. So, with enough population increase, these resources will disappear. Thus, humans will become exhausted and eventually starve. As he said so profoundly “a finite world can only support a finite population” (Hardin 98). Simon goes on to explain how humans always seem to find ways to satisfy their needs. When he talks about agriculture, he goes so far as to say that food shortage is a “benign trend” (Simon 24). In this case, benign means not harmful or effective. So, Simon sees no concern about population growth and agricultural needs because he has seen them being met through agricultural advancements over the decades. The main topic of the debate on escalation...... middle of paper .... ...d will take place over the decades. Simon touched on the good idea in showing how humans tend toward agricultural growth, but failed to paint a complete picture of food and survival. While Hardin had a blind view of agricultural engineering and failed to accurately predict what the future may hold for humanity. Works Cited “Farms, Farm Land and Livestock Operations, 2010 Summary”. United States Department of Agriculture, February 19, 2011. Web. October 7, 2014. Gul, Hafiza Tahira. “Potential of nanotechnology in agriculture and crop protection: AReview.” Academia.edu. Bzujournal, January 23, 2014. Web. October 7, 2014.James, Clive. 2011. Global status of commercialized biotech/GM crops: 2011. ISAAA BriefNo. 43. ISAAA: Ithaca, NY. Perlman, Howard. "Irrigation techniques". Irrigation: USGS School of Water Sciences. Department of the Interior, March 17, 2014. Web. October 7. 2014.