Spencerianism

Spencerianism refers to the philosophical ideas of Herbert Spencer, a 19th-century thinker who applied evolutionary principles to society and the human mind. He believed that social and biological systems develop through natural selection, favoring the most adaptable and efficient. Spencer emphasized individual liberty, free markets, and minimal government interference, viewing society as an organism that evolves over time. His ideas influenced social policies and educational theories, advocating progress through gradual, natural development rather than revolutionary change. Spencerianism remains significant in understanding 19th-century social philosophy and the roots of liberal thought.