Social Darwinism (connecting evolutionary ideas with social theory)

Author: (English) Dickens, translated by Tu Jun
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2005-01-01
Features: Modern Social Science Concepts
The most criticized concept in modern social science is probably Social Darwinism. It has been almost discredited due to its entanglement with pseudo-sciences like eugenics. Moreover, among the charges of modernity listed by postmodernism, it is at the forefront. Although Social Darwinism has a terrible reputation, as the author frankly admits in the "Introduction," as a social science concept itself, it was originally limited to a certain level. However, in later extensions, it was developed into a mystical and terrifyingly broad principle. This abuse is nothing more than a ridiculous analogy and ultimately ruined it. Moreover, even after horrific events like the Nazi racial cleansing, such abuses continued. Especially when people gained access to genetic technology, and such resources are often controlled by those in power, the situation becomes even more severe. Therefore, the author hopes to trace the lineage of Social Darwinism through this work and readdress the connection between evolutionary thought and social thought. To organize the chaotic concepts of popular Social Darwinism and reach appropriate conclusions. In the concluding section of the book, the author raises profound questions: How can human biology be aligned with social theory? How should social sciences adapt to the development of genetic technology? How can theoretical premises be provided for new models of social organization, and so on. Of course, due to the author's limitations, there are misunderstandings and biases in some aspects. For example, he equates Marxist evolutionary views with some aspects of vulgar Social Darwinism, which is due to the author's lack of deep understanding of Marxist theory. At the same time, the author holds a pessimistic attitude toward the reinforcement of social organization's control over human eugenics and also makes some inappropriate accusations against progress theories. These are things we should pay attention to while reading. In short, we should maintain a rational attitude toward Western social science theories, criticize and reject wrong ideas, and absorb valuable elements.