num_pages: 278
description: Social Darwinism in American Thought portrays the overall influence of Darwin on American social theory &amp; the notable battle waged among thinkers over the implications of evolutionary theory for social thought &amp; political action. Theorists such as Herbert Spencer &amp; Wm Graham Sumner adopted the idea of the struggle for existence as justification for the evils as well as the benefits of laissez-faire modern industrial society. Others such as Wm James &amp; John Dewey argued that human planning was needed to direct social development &amp; improve upon the natural order. Hofstadter's study of the ramifications of Darwinism is a major analysis of the social philosophies that animated intellectual movements of the Gilded Age &amp; the Progressive Era.IntroductionAuthor's NoteAuthor's IntroductionThe Coming of Darwinism The Vogue of Spencer William Graham Sumner: Social DarwinistLester Ward: Critic Evolution, Ethics &amp; SocietyThe DissentersThe Current of Pragmatism Trends in Social Theory, 1890-1915Racism &amp; ImperialismConclusionBibliographyNotesIndex
language: English
title: Social Darwinism in American Thought
titlecomplete: Social Darwinism in American Thought
genres: History, Cultural, Philosophy, Sociology, American History, Science, American, Nonfiction, Evolution, Politics
ratings_count: 249
publisher: Beacon Press (Boston)