What objections could you make to Social Darwinism?

Question

As a contemporary of Charles Darwin living in London between the 1860s to 1890s.

Thank you.

Answer 1

The most important objection to Social Darwinism is that "survival of the fittest" does not mean that, if you crush everyone who stands in the way, you win. In nature, "fittest" means most able to work with the community and environment, not most able to steamroll over competitors. The fittest in nature is often not the strongest; the strongest in nature often destroy their environments and die out for lack of habitat.

Charles Darwin did not believe in what came to be called "Social Darwinism." In fact, he found it offensive, because it was little more than a justification to smash the community, which is the heart of evolutionary development. For Darwin, as with later evolutionary theorists, unity and kinship, not competition and antagonism, were the measure of fitness.

Answer 2

Evolution is not something that one can predict or understand in the moment, it is only, like most ecological or geographical processes, understood by seeing it through centuries. We, therefore, attempting to compete and live our lives can not truly predict what behaviors and activities will prove to be most advantageous. Social Darwinism, which sadly bears his name though little understanding of his thought, is based on the idea that we understand what is essential for survival in the moment of our own lives. Evolution is based on genetics and instincts, not on behaviors that animals, nor humans actually choose or control. Social Darwinism is one of the most idiotic extensions of a revolutionary theory, and if you check with 19th C thought, was realized to be without merit.

Answer 3

I preserve the two. the only situation with social Darwinism is that a lot of human beings have mis-interpreted it to think that it applies to persons yet no longer societies, which isn't consistent. As for evolution, it incredibly is a shown actuality.

Answer 4

Didn't he suggest that only the Caucasian race had totally evolved or perhaps the one furthest evolved? I don't think that was too nice. Can't remember for sure if he said that....if he did, it would of course rarely be mentioned now.

Answer 5

Well, if you fast forward to today, I'd say STEPHEN FRICKEN HAWKING is a pretty big foil to that whole theory. Physical hardiness isn't always linked to mental capabilities.