Definition

Proper noun: - Herbert Spencer: An English philosopher and sociologist. He is known for applying the concept of natural selection, often summarized as "survival of the fittest," to human societies, economics, and social structures. His work contributed to the development of social Darwinism.

Usage and Examples

• Proper noun:
  • Herbert Spencer was a prominent 19th-century thinker.
  • The ideas of Herbert Spencer influenced early sociological theory.
  • Herbert Spencer's writings on evolution and society were both celebrated and controversial.

Advanced Usage

• "Spencerian" (adj): Pertaining to the ideas or theories of Herbert Spencer.
  • Spencerian philosophy emphasized individual liberty and social evolution.
• "Social Darwinism": While not coined by Spencer, this term is strongly associated with the application of his evolutionary principles to society.
  • Critics argue that Social Darwinism, as inspired by thinkers like Herbert Spencer, was used to justify social inequality.

Variants and Related Words

• Spencer (n): Often used as a shorthand reference to Herbert Spencer in academic contexts.
  • Spencer argued that societies evolve from simple to complex forms.
• Synthetic Philosophy: The title Spencer gave to his comprehensive system of thought, aiming to unify biology, psychology, sociology, and ethics under evolutionary principles.

Synonyms

• Philosopher
• Sociologist
• Social theorist
• Evolutionary thinker

Related Concepts and Phrases

• "Survival of the fittest": A phrase Spencer used (before Darwin) to describe the mechanism of natural selection, which he applied to human social competition.
• "Man versus the State": The title of a notable work by Spencer, arguing for limited government and individual rights.
• "Evolutionary progress": A central theme in Spencer's work, describing societal development as a natural, progressive process.

Noun

1. English philosopher and sociologist who applied the theory of natural selection to human societies (1820-1903)