1.a. Optimization theory is concerned with the determination of the optimal values of input values to achieve a desired outcome. Marginal analysis is concerned with the determination of the point where one additional value of an input variable no longer produces an increase in the value of a desired output. Used in combination, optimization theory and marginal analysis can determine the optimal values for a group of input variables or for a single variable for the most efficient production of a desired output. The statement that "the optimal number of traffic deaths in the United States is zero," as an example, should not be inferred to mean that an optimum model for the reduction of traffic deaths would attempt to eliminate all traffic deaths from the United States. Rather, speed limits, the cost of enforcing those speed limits (including effects on productivity in the economy), and other related factors would be assessed as input variables to determine the point at which additional inputs of the variables failed to further reduce the level of traffic deaths. By way of illustration, a policy considering only speed limits as an input variable could reduce traffic deaths to zero by reducing the speed limit to zero. The cost to the economy and even the cost in lives for persons unable to obtain health assistance when required, however, would outweigh the value of reducing traffic deaths to absolute zero.
1.b. By contrast, the statement that "any pollution is too much pollution may be justified through the application of the combination of optimization theory and marginal analysis to situations where (1) any damage caused to a particular ecological system through pollution is irreversible and where that particular ecological system is characterized by great societal value or where (2) any damage caused by current pollution will results in future clean-up costs that exceed the benefits that may be attainable through current poll...