Cornucopian

A cornucopian (derived from the word cornucopia; sometimes called an anti-Malthusian, from their opposition to the neo-Malthusians and the theories of Thomas Malthus) is one who holds any of a variety of views that are not in the ordinary sense simply optimistic about progress and confident in technological innovation but see a limitlessly abundant future for humanity. Some even embrace the promise of immortality. Names for the ideas of cornucopians include Cornucopian theory, the Cornucopian thesis, or Cornucopian idealism.

In terms of environmental policy, cornucopians argue that there are little or no limits to growth and that the present economy is projected to expand without significant bounds.

Key names

• John D. Barrow
• Frank J. Tipler
• Julian Simon

Further reading

• Homer-Dixon, Thomas F. "On the Threshold: Environmental Changes as Causes of Acute Conflict." International Security, Vol. 16, No. 2 (Autumn, 1991), 76-116.