Question 33

Herbert Spencer proposed the idea that societies are improved by the principle of "the survival of the fittest."

Herbert Spencer is known for coining the phrase "survival of the fittest," which he applied to social evolution, suggesting that societies improve through the same natural selection processes that apply to biological evolution.

A) Jane Addams

Jane Addams was a prominent social reformer and the co-founder of Hull House, focusing on social work and community improvement. However, she did not propose the concept of "survival of the fittest," and her work emphasized social justice rather than the application of evolutionary theory to society.

B) Max Weber

Max Weber was a sociologist known for his analysis of social structures, authority, and the impact of culture on society. While he contributed significantly to sociology, he did not advocate for the idea of "survival of the fittest" as a principle for societal improvement.

C) Herbert Spencer

Herbert Spencer is correctly associated with the phrase "survival of the fittest," which he used to describe how societies evolve and improve over time. He believed that competition among individuals and groups leads to social progress, making him the primary figure linked to this idea.

D) Karl Marx

Karl Marx was a philosopher and economist who focused on class struggle and the critique of capitalism. He did not support the notion of "survival of the fittest," as his theories emphasized cooperation and the conflicts between classes rather than competition as a means of societal improvement.

Conclusion

Herbert Spencer's association with "survival of the fittest" clearly distinguishes him as the correct answer to the question. Unlike the other figures, who focused on different aspects of society, Spencer's application of evolutionary concepts to social progress positions him as the primary advocate for this principle. Therefore, all other options fail to accurately represent the origin of this idea in the context of societal improvement.