spencerism

Definition

Spencerism (noun)
A philosophical system or doctrine based on the ideas of the English philosopher Herbert Spencer (1820–1903), particularly his theories of social evolution, individualism, and the application of evolutionary principles to society, ethics, and politics.

Usage Examples

• (The doctrine that society evolves like biological organisms, according to Spencer's ideas.)
• (A critical view of Spencer's application of evolution to society.)
• (Spencer's ideas supported minimal government intervention.)

Advanced Usage

• "Spencerism in political theory": refers specifically to Spencer's advocacy for individual liberty and opposition to state welfare.
  • Spencerism in political theory holds that charity and state aid undermine natural social progress.
    (The view that social aid interferes with evolutionary development.)

Variants and Related Words

• Spencerian (adj): relating to Herbert Spencer or his philosophy.
  • His Spencerian views on education emphasized self-development over formal instruction.
    (Adhering to Spencer's educational principles.)
• Spencerist (n): a follower or advocate of spencerism.
  • As a committed spencerist, she believed society should evolve without government interference.
    (A person who supports Spencer's doctrines.)

Synonyms

• Social Darwinism: a broader term for the application of Darwinian concepts to society, closely related to spencerism but not identical.
• Laissez-faire individualism: a political philosophy emphasizing minimal state intervention, often associated with Spencer's ideas.

Related Idioms

• "Survival of the fittest": a phrase coined by Herbert Spencer, often used in spencerism to describe social competition.
  • In spencerism, the "survival of the fittest" justifies economic inequality as natural selection.
    (The idea that the strongest or most capable individuals thrive in society.)