The harsh ethics of the lifeboat become even harsher when we consider the reproductive differences between the rich nations
and the poor nations. The people inside the lifeboats are
doubling in numbers every 87 years; those swimming around
outside are doubling on the average, every 35 years, more than
twice as fast as the rich. And since the world's resources are
dwindling, the difference in prosperity between the rich and the
poor can only increase
As of 1973, the U. S. had a population of 210 million people, who
were increasing by 0.8 percent per year. Outside our lifeboat, let
us imagine another 210 million people (say the combined
populations of Colombia, Ecuador, Venezuela, Morocco, Pakistan,
Thailand and the Philippines) who are increasing at a rate of 3.3
percent per year. Put differently, the doubling time for this
aggregate population is 21 years, compared to 87 years for the
U. S.
Which staternent best describes Hardin's use of deductive reasoning in this excerpt?
A. Hardin describes population growth in general terms, then explains how
that applies to the United States and poorer nations specifically.
B. Hardin intersperses information about population growth in the United
States with information about general population growth
C. Hardin describes population growth in the United States specifically, then
explains general population growth around the world.
D. Hardin talks about general population growth around the world, then
presents a counterclaim to his main argument.