Social Darwinism Is An Ideology Of Society - 1566 Words

Social Darwinism is an ideology of society that seeks to apply biological concepts of the laws of evolution by natural selection of evolutionary theory to sociology and politics, often with the assumption that conflict between groups in society leads to social progress as superior groups outcompete inferior ones. How we got to the point of coining the modern term of â€Å"Social Darwinism† we would have to turn to the famous man himself, Charles Darwin. At first glance, Charles Darwin seems an unlikely revolutionary. Born in 1809, Charles grew up a shy and unassuming member of a wealthy British family. He appeared, at least to his father, to be lazy and directionless. But even as a child, Darwin expressed an interest in nature. Later in 1831,†¦show more content†¦These better-adapted beings, which contribute so much to the genetic complement of following generations of their population, are said to have greater reproductive fitness. Hence the use, and popularization, of the phrase: survival of the fittest. (This expression is often attributed to Charles Darwin and, although it appears in the fifth edition of his Origin of Species, 1869, it is there attributed to Herbert Spencer.) By fittest , of course, Spencer and Darwin didn t have in mind the commonly used meaning of the word now, that is, the most highly qualified and/or physically adequate. The fittest referred to here, are those animals which are the most suited to their environment, that is, those which are best fitted to survive. Not only did Darwin theorize that animals and plants evolved into different species through a process of natural selection and â€Å"survival of the fittest†, he claimed that humans were animals themselves, subject to the same selection process that played out in nature. This theory was then applied to economic life. Attempts to reform society through state intervention or other means would, therefore, interfere with natural processes; unrestricted competition and resistance of the status quo were in accord with biological selection. The poor were the â€Å"unfit† and should not beShow MoreRelatedSocial Darwinism And Its Effect On Society1069 Words   |  5 Pagesdesired by society. However, only certain people have the gift of strength or the gift of intelligence. Everyone is different. If everyone was the same, if everyone was perfect, life would be dull. Some people may want perfection, but who wants a boring, lifeless world? Unfortunately, some people did, and still do. The people who want a perfect society and who believe that strong, intelligent, and talented people are the ones who deserve to â€Å"survive,† are called Social Darwinists. Social DarwinismRead MoreThe Social Darwinism Of The World War I1311 Words   |  6 PagesAmerican Social Darwinism â€Å"For their point of view does not permit of a live-and-let-live kind of carrying on. It is a point of view that justifies itself by a whole hearted acceptance of the worst of Neo-Darwinism, the Allmacht of natural selection applied rigorously to human life and society and Kultur†(p.22, Headquarters Nights by Vernon Kellogg). In the years following World War I, the Social Darwinist movement lost some of its momentum due to the unpopularity of Germany s Neo-Darwinism. SupportRead More Social Darwinism in American Politics Essays1199 Words   |  5 PagesIntroduction Social Darwinism is a quasi-philosophical, quasi-religious, quasi-sociological view that came from the mind of Herbert Spencer, an English philosopher in the 19th century. It did not achieve wide acceptance in England or Europe, but flourished in this country, as is true of many ideologies, religions, and philosophies. A good summary of Social Darwinism is by Johnson: In these years, when Darwins Origin of Species, popularized by Herbert Spencer as quot;the survival of the fittestRead MoreThe Theory Of Social Darwinism1345 Words   |  6 Pagesplace to hear plans and deduce ideologies of various candidates. Income inequalities has been one hot topic and address by almost all the candidates. Some believe a higher tax rate on the rich is the solution whiles others believe it will do more harm to the society good. I ask myself, should Mr. Herbert Spencer, Minister Graham Sumner, and Andrew Carnegie come back to life, what will be their response? The aforementioned are the considered the fathers of Social Darwinism. In this essay I will discussRead MoreCharles Darwin, The Most Influential Nineteenth Century Evolutionary Thinker1176 Words   |  5 Pagesfittest defines Social Darwinism (McKay 745). As European and American upper class sought to extend political and economic power, Social Darwinism proved to justify actions or policies in political, s ocial, and economic strata. Capitalism, imperialism, and racism are different ideologies that grew strong and lingered in history using Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution by means of natural selection. In conclusion, Charles Darwin’s controversial theory created a powerful impact on society and the livesRead MoreEssay on Social Darwinism1197 Words   |  5 Pagesworld but its effects reach far beyond this small institution of intellectuals. People applied Darwinism and its belief in survival of the fittest to all areas of life. They used it as a â€Å"natural law† which supported their actions and beliefs. Advocates manipulated the scientific doctrine to fulfill their personal needs and to justify religious beliefs, capitalism, and military conquests.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Darwinism greatly impacted the scientific world purely through its specific doctrine. The enlightenmentRead MoreSummary Of Race Racism And Darwinism987 Words   |  4 PagesReflection #10 Summary of readings In the reading, Race, Racism, and Darwinism, the author William H. Jeynes argues that Darwinism is one of the main contributors forming the racist nature of the United States. Those same ideas then bleed into the perceptions people have towards people of color. Jeynes shows us how Darwinism is responsible for much of the institutional racism that has been carried out through centuries and has been justified. Darwinist believed that â€Å"survival of the fittest† didRead MoreThe Political Implications of Darwins Theory of Natural Selection878 Words   |  4 Pagesthere were political implications to Darwins theory. A man named Herbert Spencer took the theory of natural selection and applied it to society, creating the ideology of Social Darwinism. Spencer felt that there were certain types of people who were unfit for society and did not contribute anything of value to it. These people were at a disadvantage in society but it was due to the fact that they werent industriou s enough. Furthermore, any attempts by the government to redistribute material advantagesRead MoreSocial Darwinism and Poverty1717 Words   |  7 Pagesï » ¿Social Darwinism and Poverty The concept of Darwinism is more mundanely known as survival of the fittest. That means that the animals that are best suited for survival, which is best adapted to the society in which they live will be the ones that survive. Those that do not have skills and abilities which will allow them to live and thrive will die out. Consequently the next generation will be more comprised of far more creatures that have the more appropriate characteristics. Some have suggestedRead MoreNatural Selection Means The Animals Who Have Weaker Genetic1608 Words   |  7 Pagesnatural society. Charles Darwin adopted this idea to explain how the species that survived for ages are the superiors ones with the most substantial genes embedded in them. However, as mankind advanced from our ancestors till now homo-sapiens, knowledge people, natural selection reoccurs among humans in the late 19th century and early 20th century. Social Darwinism was created for the purpose to make changes in the world. In th e late 19th century, Social Darwinism influenced the society and created