Podcast
Questions and Answers
Who is Herbert Spencer?
Who is Herbert Spencer?
What field of study was Herbert Spencer known for?
What field of study was Herbert Spencer known for?
What were Herbert Spencer's contributions to social theory?
What were Herbert Spencer's contributions to social theory?
Study Notes
Herbert Spencer
- Herbert Spencer was a British philosopher and sociologist, born on April 27, 1820, in Derby, England, and died on December 8, 1903.
Field of Study
- Spencer was known for his contributions to the field of sociology, particularly in the development of social Darwinism.
Contributions to Social Theory
- He is credited with coining the phrase "survival of the fittest," which was later adopted by Charles Darwin in his theory of evolution.
- Spencer's social theory focused on the idea of social evolution, where societies progress from a state of militarism to one of industrialism, characterized by voluntary cooperation and social differentiation.
- He believed that social change is driven by individual efforts, rather than government intervention, and that societies should be organized based on the principles of individual liberty and laissez-faire economics.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Test your knowledge about Herbert Spencer, a prominent figure in social theory. Learn about his field of study and the contributions he made to the field.