The Political Implications of Darwins Theory of Natural...

In 1859 biologist Charles Darwin published On the Origin of Species which laid out Darwins theory of natural selection. Natural selection stated that an organism which possessed advantageous traits that allowed it to survive and reproduce easier than became more prevalent in the proceeding generations, eventually resulting in a differentiation of species. This is the basis of evolution and is a constantly ongoing process. Organisms that did not possess the advantageous traits were doomed to genetic extinction. This process allowed organisms to adapt and survive. While this was a biological theory, there were political implications to Darwins theory. A man named Herbert Spencer took the theory of natural selection and applied it†¦show more content†¦He didnt want to see government intervention that would grow the size and scope of government, as well as keeping useless people alive, dragging down society. Spencer also a strong advocate of laise-faire capitalism as it cr eated competition just like in natural selection. Francis Galton took Spencers Social Darwinism to its logical conclusion with the idea of eugenics. Galton felt that not only were physical characteristics passed down genetically, but personality traits were as well. Societys problems therefore werent caused by people being in disadvantageous situations, but because people are genetically predisposed toward them. The evidence of this Galton felt, was that there were people who, despite their poor environments, were able to elevate their status. This demonstrated to him a genetic predisposition toward excellence. Eugenics stated that things like intelligence and health were all genetic. Moral character was also considered genetic, and if an individual was an alcoholic for example, this was considered to be the result of bad genetics. Galton believed that if people with outstanding intelligence, physical and mental health, and morality were selectively bred then society would ben efit. Since there was a small percentage of people who had these traits in great abundance, and such a large population that lacked them, Galton felt that there should be an attempt toShow MoreRelatedThe Origin of Species1246 Words   |  5 Pagesunderstanding of what was fact was published and it summarized a theory that humans have slowly evolved from a primitive form, commonly called the Theory of Evolution.(Kennedy Pg.572) The book titled On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection, or the Preservation of Favoured Races in the Struggle for Life was written by an English naturalist and geologist, Charles Darwin, and it overcame the scientific rejection that earlier similar theories had faced. 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