57. One of the original founders of sociology, Herbert Spencer, coined the term 'survival of the fittest.' What, specifically, was Spencer referencing when he used this term?
Answer: C
Spencer was referencing that helping the poor was wrong.
Herbert Spencer's concept of 'survival of the fittest' specifically indicated a belief that aiding the less fortunate interfered with natural selection and societal progress. He argued that allowing the weak to survive through assistance would hinder the evolutionary advancement of society.
A) That industries should only employ young, able-bodied men
This option misrepresents Spencer's philosophy, as it focuses on employment criteria rather than the broader implications of societal evolution and the role of assistance to the poor. Spencer did not explicitly advocate for employment restrictions based on physical capacity.
B) That strong nations should have the most say in global affairs
While Spencer did discuss the implications of strength in a societal context, this option is not aligned with his specific assertion regarding morality and the assistance of the poor. His focus was more on individual survival and societal evolution than on international power dynamics.
C) That helping the poor was wrong
This option accurately reflects Spencer's ideology. He believed that assistance to the poor undermined the natural selection process, suggesting that such help would enable the survival of those who he deemed unfit, which contradicted his views on societal development and evolution.
D) That helping a non-Christian was immoral
This option does not capture the essence of Spencer's argument. While he may have had views related to morality, his use of 'survival of the fittest' was primarily concerned with societal evolution and the implications of aiding the poor, rather than specifically targeting individuals based on religious beliefs.
Conclusion
Spencer’s assertion that helping the poor was wrong highlights his belief in the natural order of societal evolution where only the fittest thrive. This perspective distinctly separates option C from the other choices, which either misinterpret his views or address unrelated aspects of his philosophy. Thus, option C is the most accurate representation of Spencer's original intent.