History of herbert spencer biography definition

Herbert Spencer April 27, — December 8, was a renowned English philosopher and sociologist known for applying evolutionary theory to the study of politics and ethics.

Herbert spencer major works

He coined the term "survival of the fittest" before it was used by Charles Darwin. Although considered a radical at the time, Spencer was a close contemporary of many famous philosophers and scientists such as Darwin, John Stuart Mill , and Thomas Huxley and became highly respected during his lifetime. His writings were both controversial and highly popular, and his "classical liberalism" had a notable influence on twentieth century politics and economics.

Spencer prided himself on having developed insights into systematic social development that did not include the positing of a transcendent divine being. Spencer's views contributed substantially to the emphasis on self-interest as a core human value without the provision for "sympathy" or concern for the other found in the writings of Adam Smith and to the notion of racial superiority based on Spencer's understanding of the evolutionary development of humankind.

He was one of nine children born, but the only one to survive childhood. Coming from a family of teachers, he was encouraged to learn at an early age. He studied biology and mathematics, but did little reading. During his childhood he was exposed to the many academic books and journals of which his father made use and was greatly influenced by his father's individualistic and anti-clerical views.

When he was 13 his father sent him to live with his uncle, the Reverend Thomas Spencer, who could provide him a more formal education.