1. Please be seated,2. You will need a notebook/Unipac and pen/pencil3. Be ready to get started……..

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Social Social DarwinismDarwinism

::““The growth of large The growth of large business is merely a business is merely a

survival of the fittest.”survival of the fittest.”-John D. Rockefeller-John D. Rockefeller

Philosophy Philosophy OROR Justification? Justification?

Charles DarwinCharles Darwin• 1859 published a book 1859 published a book

titled titled The Origin of SpeciesThe Origin of Species

• Theory of EvolutionTheory of Evolution

• Natural Selection.Natural Selection.

• Struggle is normal.Struggle is normal.

• Some are superior.Some are superior.

• There are benefits when There are benefits when the unfit are eliminated.the unfit are eliminated.

Herbert SpencerHerbert Spencer

1971 – English Philosopher who coins 1971 – English Philosopher who coins phrase “Social Darwinism”phrase “Social Darwinism”

What is Social Darwinism?

Social Darwinism is:- individuals compete naturally.

- the incompetent lose and the strong win. ie. “survival of the fittest”.

Government must not interfere unless the unfit are stealing from the fit.

Government or No Government?Government or No Government?

• Should the Government interfere with Should the Government interfere with Business????Business????

-By 1880 many Social Darwinists-By 1880 many Social Darwinists

were saying “NO”?!?!?were saying “NO”?!?!?

• Others wanted the Government to get Others wanted the Government to get more involved in promoting Social more involved in promoting Social Darwinism and Darwinism and Laissez-faireLaissez-faire..

Social Darwinism and BusinessSocial Darwinism and Business

• Natural Competition controls the economy.

• Government is not there to help people, but to support business.

• Big business can take over small business.

• Ruthless methods are OK.

Social Darwinism and RaceSocial Darwinism and Race

• Only the strong Only the strong races can survive.races can survive.

• Technology should Technology should be kept by races be kept by races that create that create advancement.advancement.

• Justification for Justification for genocide.genocide.

America’s Reaction

•“Self-made man” concept built the country.

•“Rugged Individualism” is good.

Wealth is the reward for hard work and ability.

Failure is due to lack of ability and laziness.

Is this right?Is this right?Do you agree?Do you agree?

Then explain this……Then explain this……

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/3b/Hilton%2C_Paris_%282007%29.jpg

The Social Darwinists

T. Roosevelt Sr.

Andrew Carnegie

C. Vanderbilt

What comes of Social Darwinism?

• Philanthropy: using one’s fortune to further social progress.

• Focused efforts and energies on all individuals.

• Expands the gap between the rich and the poor.

Social Darwinism Good or Bad?Social Darwinism Good or Bad?

• Is this a practical theory?Is this a practical theory?

• What are the benefits of weeding out the What are the benefits of weeding out the weak? weak?

• What are the disadvantages of having What are the disadvantages of having the rich in control?the rich in control?

• Is there really a chance for poor people Is there really a chance for poor people to get ahead?to get ahead?

THE END