The Word on Fire Show - Catholic Faith and Culture

WOF 455: Should We Worry About Declining Birth Rates?

Sep 16, 2024
In this discussion, Paul Ehrlich, an entomologist famous for 'The Population Bomb', and Martha Nussbaum, a political philosopher from the University of Chicago, explore the alarming trend of declining birth rates worldwide. They unpack societal attitudes towards childbearing and question whether population control policies are justified. The conversation challenges the utilitarian view of population reduction, advocating for a deeper understanding of family life as a societal good. They also reflect on the ethical implications of these trends and the importance of community.
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INSIGHT

Shift from Overpopulation to Decline

  • The global concern has shifted from overpopulation to declining birth rates in many countries.
  • Deaths now outpace births, leading to population decreases that challenge previous demographic assumptions.
INSIGHT

No Ideal Population Cap

  • The idea that there is an ideal human population size to cap is flawed.
  • Church teaching allows legitimate birth limitation methods but opposes population control policies that are intrinsically evil.
INSIGHT

Abortion Reflects Spiritual Crisis

  • Societies permitting abortion often exhibit a coarsening of attitudes toward life in general.
  • This reflects a spiritual crisis and loss of belief in the ultimate value of human life.
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