AP Euro Topic: 7.4 & 7.5

Charles Darwin

English natural scientist who formulated a theory of evolution by natural selection

On the Origin of Species

Charles Darwin's book explained how various species evolve over time and only those with advantages can survive and reproduce

natural selection

A natural process resulting in the evolution of organisms best adapted to the environment and the weeding out of unfit species.

theory of evolution

states that organisms change and develop over time to adapt an increase rate of survival

Herbert Spencer

English Philosopher "Survival of the fittest"; Social Darwinism between societies and cultures

Social Darwinism

The application of ideas about evolution and "survival of the fittest" to human societies - particularly as a justification for their imperialist expansion.

Survival of the Fittest

Phrase used by Herbert Spencer that justified not imperialism and the bad treatment of the poor. They are too weak to survive.

Victorian Era

the time frame spanning the reign of Queen Victoria of England (1837-1901)

materialism

the philosophy that everything, including the human mind and consciousness is made of matter/substance, or influenced by it.

physicalism

the theory that human beings can be explained completely and adequately in terms of their physical or material components

positivism

the belief that knowledge should be derived from scientific observation only. Emphasizes rational and scientific analysis of nature and human affairs

Auguste Comte

Founder of positivism philosophy and sociology.

modernism

Philosophy rejecting traditional beliefs and morals as out-dated. Rationality, industry, and technology were cornerstones of progress and human achievement.

irrationalism

Any explanation of human behavior stressing determinants that are not under rational control—for example, explanations that emphasize the importance of emotions or unconscious mechanisms.

Georges Sorel

French political philosopher who argued social change required revolutionary action.

Friedrich Nietzsche

German philosopher who said ideas such as reason, democracy, and progress should be questioned. Described the decay of traditional moral structure in Europe. "God is Dead"

Henri Bergson

A French philosopher who said that personal experiences and intuition were more important than rational thought and thinking. Rejected established values--embraced change.

Sigmund Freud

Austrian neurologist and the founder of psychoanalysis, and the father of modern psychology.

psychoanalysis

a clinical method for treating mental health through dialogue between a patient and a psychoanalyst.

Albert Einstein

German physicist who developed the theory of relativity, which states that time, space, and mass are relative to each other and not fixed.

Max Planck

German physicist who developed quantum theory which attempts to explain the physics of atomic and subatomic processes.

quantum mechanics

describes the motions of subatomic particles and atoms as waves and is the foundation for invention of things such as computers, lasers, GPS, and MRI.