What characterized the economic view of David Ricardo regarding labor supply and wages?

David Ricardo's economic theory revolves significantly around the relationship between labor supply and wages, particularly through his concept known as the "iron law of wages." This principle suggests that when wages are raised above a certain level, workers tend to have more children, which ultimately increases the labor supply. As the labor supply increases, the abundance of workers tends to drive wages back down toward subsistence levels. Therefore, the assertion that raising wages arbitrarily leads to increased labor supply—thereby resulting in a decrease in wages—accurately reflects Ricardo's views on this economic dynamic.

This aligns with the broader context of his theories, where he emphasized the market mechanics of supply and demand. High wages may seem advantageous at first; however, they can create conditions that lead to an oversupply of labor, which counteracts the initial wage increase.