In Our Time Social Darwinism
Feb 20, 2014
Exploring the controversial history and lasting influence of Social Darwinism, connection to eugenics and Nazis; Herbert Spencer's beliefs; Impact on societal views, women's rights, and race; Evolution of eugenics and racial theories; Intersections with communism and influence on literature.
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Social Darwinism's Core Idea
- Social Darwinism, predating Darwinism, links natural and social evolution.
- It suggests societal progress is inevitable and shouldn't be interfered with.
Darwin on Intelligence and Race
- Darwin, in a letter to Lyell, argued natural selection drives intelligence.
- He cited the extermination of less intellectual races by more intellectual ones as evidence.
Contextual Factors Influencing Social Darwinism
- Industrialization, colonization, and urban poverty fueled anxieties about societal progress.
- These anxieties shaped interpretations of Darwin's ideas and contributed to social Darwinism.