description Herbert Spencer Overview
Herbert Spencer was a 19th-century British philosopher who applied evolutionary theory to society, coining the phrase 'survival of the fittest' and developing an influential system of synthetic philosophy.
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What did Herbert Spencer mean by “survival of the fittest”?
Herbert Spencer coined the phrase “survival of the fittest” after reading Charles Darwin's work on natural selection. Spencer used it to describe competition and adaptation in biological and social discussions, although his social applications remain controversial.
Was Herbert Spencer a philosopher or a sociologist?
He was a British philosopher and social theorist whose work strongly influenced early sociology. His multi-volume system of synthetic philosophy connected biology, psychology, ethics and social development.
How did Herbert Spencer apply evolution to society?
Spencer argued that societies could develop from simpler forms toward more complex forms through differentiation and adaptation. His evolutionary view of society later became associated with Social Darwinism, although that label simplifies the range of his ideas.
How was Herbert Spencer different from Charles Darwin?
Darwin developed the theory of evolution by natural selection, while Spencer applied evolutionary ideas broadly to society, ethics and philosophy. Spencer also coined “survival of the fittest,” a phrase Darwin later adopted in revised editions of On the Origin of Species.
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