A Basic Reader on Western Social Science Knowledge: Social Darwinism

Author: (British) Dickens
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-05-01
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 misuse is actually 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 clean up the genealogy of Social Darwinism through this work and readdress the connection between evolutionary thought and social thought. For the chaotic concepts of popular Social Darwinism, the author aims to organize them and reach appropriate conclusions. In the concluding section, the author raises profound questions: How can human biology be coordinated 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? Etc. Of course, due to the author's limitations in this book, there are misunderstandings and biases in some aspects. For example, he compares Marxist evolutionary views with some views 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 control over human eugenics and also makes some inappropriate accusations against the theory of progress. These are things we need to pay attention to when reading. In short, we should maintain a rational attitude toward Western social science theories, criticize and reject wrong ideas, and absorb valuable elements.