APEURO UNIT 7 Darwinism and Social Darwinism

Charles Darwin

An English naturalist best known for his theory of evolution by natural selection, which he detailed in his book "On the Origin of Species" published in 1859; went on an expedition for the British Royal Navy during which he was able to study flora and fauna and discovered flaws in the Creation story

natural selection

The process by which organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring. This concept was central to Darwin's theory of evolution.

Survival of the Fittest

A phrase that describes the concept of natural selection, where only those organisms best adapted to their environment survive and reproduce. It emphasizes the competitive aspect of evolutionary theory.

The Descent of Man

A book published by Charles Darwin in 1871, where he applied his theory of evolution by natural selection to human evolution, arguing that humans and apes share a common ancestor.

Social Darwinism

The socio-political theory that applies the concept of natural selection to human societies, suggesting that stronger individuals or groups naturally prevail over weaker ones in societal and economic contexts; founded by Herbert Spencer

Herbert Spencer

A philosopher and sociologist known for applying Darwinian ideas to social theory, coining social darwinism to justify social policies.

Houston Stewart Chamberlain

A German philosopher and writer who promoted racial theories and was influential in the development of nationalist attitudes in Germany, particularly regarding Aryan supremacy.

Aryans

A term used to describe a group of people originally referred to as Indo-European speaking populations, later used in the 19th century to promote ideologies of racial superiority and ethnic nationalism.