Herbert Spencer and Social Evolution

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Questions and Answers

What analogy did Herbert Spencer use to compare society?

Society functions like a biological organism. (correct)

Society functions like a computer program.

Society functions like a machine.

Society functions like a city.

Which social institutions did Spencer compare to the organs of the body?

Technology, family, education, and health.

Environment, transport, finance, and media.

Sports, arts, culture, and government.

Family, economy, polity, and religion. (correct)

What phrase did Spencer coin that reflects Darwin's influence on his thoughts?

Natural selection.

Adaptation of species.

Survival of the fittest. (correct)

Struggle for existence.

What did Spencer argue about wealth and power in the context of fitness?

They indicate inherent superiority. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following concepts aligns with Spencer's views on societal evolution?

Natural selection influencing societal structures. Signup and view all the answers

How did Spencer perceive the competition among human individuals and groups?

As a natural process for human progress. Signup and view all the answers

What major theme did Herbert Spencer emphasize in his works?

The development of societies from simple to complex forms Signup and view all the answers

Which work did Herbert Spencer publish in 1862?

Principles of Biology Signup and view all the answers

Which concept did Spencer NOT use to explain social evolution?

Divine intervention Signup and view all the answers

How did Herbert Spencer view society in relation to biological organisms?

Society develops in a manner similar to biological organisms Signup and view all the answers

What was one of Spencer's key philosophical assertions in Social Statics?

Human progress is inevitable Signup and view all the answers

What area of education did Herbert Spencer receive training in?

Natural sciences and mathematics Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes Herbert Spencer's influence on sociology?

He emphasized evolutionism as a fundamental process in society. Signup and view all the answers

What did Spencer mean by calling society a 'super organism'?

Individuals within society are compared to organs within a body. Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of his upbringing had a significant influence on Herbert Spencer's philosophy?

The individualistic mindset of his father Signup and view all the answers

What did Spencer assert about individual characteristics in his work Principles of Psychology?

They evolve gradually from a unified state. Signup and view all the answers

What key aspect does Spencer emphasize about the functions of social institutions?

They function independently and interdependently. Signup and view all the answers

Which explanation aligns with Spencer's view on societal progress?

Societal progress is the result of the triumph of advanced individuals and cultures. Signup and view all the answers

What did Spencer suggest about poverty in relation to fitness?

Poverty indicates an inherent unfitness. Signup and view all the answers

How did Spencer contribute to the field of social theory?

By coining the term 'social Darwinism'. Signup and view all the answers

In what way did Spencer's view of social institutions reflect his belief in natural selection?

Institutions must compete for resources like biological species. Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic did Spencer associate with wealth and power in society?

They are signs of inherent fitness. Signup and view all the answers

What did Spencer argue would happen to 'unfit' individuals and groups in society?

They will eventually die out. Signup and view all the answers

What theory did Spencer embrace from Charles Darwin regarding human societies?

Natural selection also occurs within human societies. Signup and view all the answers

How did Spencer’s view align with evolutionary theory?

He considered social structures to evolve over time. Signup and view all the answers

What concept did Spencer relate to the idea of competition among groups?

Competition leads to the survival of the fittest. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Herbert Spencer (1820-1903)

Born in Derby, England on April 27, 1820
Father, William George Spencer, had a strong individualistic mind, influencing Herbert.
Received Western education in natural sciences (mathematics, biological sciences, etc.)
Worked as a railway engineer, draftsman, and a journalist.

Spencer's Influences and Major Concerns

Greatly influenced by Charles Darwin's "theory of species"
Applied evolutionary theory to the study of both man as a biological being and society.
Main focus: understanding evolutionism in terms of social structures, institutions, functions, and changes over time, mimicking biological processes.
Particularly interested in comparing biological organisms to society, noticing that both evolve from simple to complex forms.

Spencer's View of Society

Viewed society as a "super organism" composed of interdependent individuals who are also organisms.
Believed social institutions (family, economy, polity, religion) function like bodily organs, interdependently for survival.
Recognized societal changes over time, similar to biological organism changes, affecting structures and functions.

Spencer's Works

Published Principles of Biology (1862)
Published Synthetic Philosophy (1867)
Published Principles of Psychology (1870)
Published Principles of Sociology (1876)
Published Social Statics (1850), emphasizing individual freedom and human progress.

Spencer's Principles of Psychology

Argued all organic matter starts in a unified state and individual characteristics develop gradually through evolution
The progression from simple to complex shapes and diversity was a key theme in his later works

Spencer's Contributions to Sociology

Significant contributor to 19th-century sociology
Focused on evolutionism as a universal process affecting all human societies
Believed all human societies undergo change

Spencer's Application of Darwinism

Took Darwin's natural selection theory, applying it to human societies (Social Darwinism)
Argued in a survival of the fittest perspective, that competition amongst individuals and groups drives progress, with wealth and power signifying fitness.
Poverty was viewed as evidence of inferiority.

Spencer's Conclusion

Herbert Spencer belonged to the organic school of thought, comparing society with biological organisms.
Expounded the structural functionalist perspective, detailing the various structures and institutions of society and their interdependent functions.

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Description

Explore the life and theories of Herbert Spencer, a prominent figure in social evolution. This quiz examines his influences, particularly Darwin's theory, and how he applied evolutionary concepts to society as a complex organism. Discover his views on social structures and their evolution over time.