Perspectives of Charles Darwin and Herbert Spencer

Perspectives of Charles Darwin and Herbert Spencer Student’s Name Institution Course # and Name Professor’s Name Submission Date Perspectives of Charles Darwin and Herbert Spencer Charles Darwin and Herbert Spencer's perspectives present complementary and contrasting viewpoints on evolution. Darwin’s theory of natural selection is a cornerstone of modern biology. The basis of this theory was that species with more beneficial traits are highly inclined to survive as well as reproduce in the long term (Richerson et al., 2021). This culminates in the slow accumulation of valuable traits within a populace. Herbert Spencer, a philosopher and sociologist, applied evolutionary concepts to social and cultural phenomena. He used the concepts proposed by Darwin to explain how societies evolved through natural selection. He believed social structures developed and improved through competition and adaptation (Offer, 2019). For example, third-world countries adopt better policies and governance approaches from other nations that have developed using those governance approaches. Local institutions like schools and social activities attract more people when they are doing better. Competition in social structures, institutions, and cultural practices benefits residents (Offer, 2019). Darwin and Spencer shared a common interest in evolution and its implications. Both thinkers recognized the transformative power of evolutionary processes, whether in the natural world or human society. Their works influenced subsequent developments in biology and sociology for many years. There are many key differences in the perspectives of Charles Darwin and Herbert Spencer. First, these two theorists differ in their treatment of competition and cooperation. Darwin posits that the natural environment operates based on survival of the fittest, and living things with better traits are naturally selected to evolve. Cooperation was also crucial in social animals to enhance their survival and reproductive success. On the other hand, Spencer views competition as a mechanism for social progress (Offer, 2019). Social institutions and civilizations have been improved based on increasing competition and cooperation. Another key difference lies in their methodological approaches. Charles Darwin viewed natural selection in the natural world, and his documented evidence provided a solid foundation for his theory (Richerson et al., 2021). Conversely, Spencer used a more theoretical and observational approach to study social systems. He based his conclusions on existing biological principles and the historical works of other authors. Adaptation and improvements in social institutions are seen as an overextension of Darwin's evolution theory (Offer, 2019). Critics have often questioned th...