Jarret Hardin Living On A Lifeboat Summary

Critically examine Hardin’s lifeboat analogy: Garret Hardin’s work, Living on a Lifeboat, is a controversial piece of writing. His callous nature of ethics has won him a large number of critics since it was published in 1974. His renowned lifeboat analogy evokes a range of reactions from readers. Although controversial, Hardin’s line of thought cannot be ignored. I do not agree with all of his reasoning, however, there is no doubting the fact that Hardin tackles issues that must be addressed. Population is a major force affecting famine in the world; I am in full support of Hardin when he urges that this must be addressed. My opinion differs in the fact that I do not believe that foreign aid shouldn’t be given. Hardin’s lifeboats carrying capacities are not as simplistic

The wealthy countries cannot afford to ignore the poor. While being in a far better situation in terms of production and consumption, there is no avoiding the fact that there is reliance for resources from the developing nations. This is becoming more and more prominent in the world today. It is not reasonable for wealthy nations to exploit the poor and ‘leave them wading’. Hardin’s analogy, so very callous in nature, provides the solution to the problem is to almost turn a blind eye. There is not doubt his theory provides the human population with an effective solution to population control, we, as the people on the lifeboats are taking the easier option if we resort to these tactics. The analogy brings to light the issue of population far more effectively than any other text I have read and for this Hardin deserves an immense amount of credit. However, until all factors point towards complete and utter devastation, whereby population cannot be controlled, such measures are too drastic. Cassen, R, 1994. Population and Development: Old Debates, New Conclusions, 4 Overseas Development Council, Washington, DC, Hardin, G, 1974. Living on a Lifeboat. BioScience, 24,