HERBERT SPENCER Meaning and
Definition
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Herbert Spencer (1820-1903) was an influential English philosopher, sociologist, biologist, and political theorist. He played a key role in the development of social Darwinism and the theory of evolution, and his ideas had a significant impact on various fields of knowledge.
Spencer is best known for his theory of social evolution, which proposed that societies evolve in a similar manner to living organisms. He argued that societies progress from simple, undifferentiated states to more complex ones through a process of natural selection, where individuals and social institutions adapt to their environment.
Additionally, Spencer popularized the concept of "survival of the fittest," a phrase he borrowed from Charles Darwin's theory of biological evolution. He expanded this concept to encompass social structures and argued that competition and the struggle for survival lead to progress and improvement in society.
Spencer's work extended beyond sociology and biology to include philosophy and political theory. He believed in limited government intervention and advocated for laissez-faire capitalism, arguing that societal progress and individual freedom could only be achieved through unrestricted free markets.
Although Spencer's ideas were highly influential during his time and initially gained significant traction, they became subject to criticism in later years. Critics argued that his theories lacked empirical evidence and were used as a justification for social inequality.
Nonetheless, Herbert Spencer's contributions to social theory and his integration of evolutionary principles into various disciplines make him a noteworthy figure in the history of intellectual thought.
Common Misspellings for HERBERT SPENCER
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Etymology of HERBERT SPENCER
The word Herbert Spencer is not an ordinary etymological term but rather a proper noun that refers to a person's name. Herbert Spencer was an English philosopher, sociologist, and prominent proponent of the theory of social Darwinism in the 19th century. As a proper noun, Herbert is of Germanic origin, derived from the elements heri meaning army and beraht meaning bright. On the other hand, Spencer is derived from the occupational English surname spenser, which referred to someone who worked as a steward or dispenser of provisions. Thus, the etymology of Herbert Spencer is a combination of the Germanic origins of Herbert and the occupational origin of Spencer.
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