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Essays: Scientific, Political, & Speculative; Vol. 3 of 3 Library Edition (1891), Containing Seven Essays not before Republished, and Various other Additions.

By Herbert Spencer

(3.5 stars) • 10 reviews

Explore societal norms and individual expression through thought-provoking essays that link political reform to unique personal styles, challenging the very foundations of ethics and philosophy.

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2017-01-30
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Summary

"Essays: Scientific, Political, & Speculative; Vol. 3 of 3" by Herbert Spencer is a collection of essays from the 1800s that blends ethics, politics, and society, representing the author's philosophical viewpoints and reviews of the period's cultural and moral standards. Highlighting the principles governing societal behaviors and institutions, these essays analyze and debate them, making this a provocative read for those captivated by social philosophy. Beginning with "Manners and Fashion," it examines the connection between democratic beliefs and personal expression, specifically through unique dressing and grooming. Spencer suggests people involved in political change often show eccentric styles, indicating a significant break from social conventions. The work connects the development of societal behaviors, political systems, and religion to a shared history of authority and freedom, framing the continuous influence of these forces on human actions and morality.

About the Author

Herbert Spencer was an English polymath active as a philosopher, psychologist, biologist, sociologist, and anthropologist. Spencer originated the expression "survival of the fittest", which he coined in Principles of Biology (1864) after reading Charles Darwin's 1859 book On the Origin of Species. The term strongly suggests natural selection, yet Spencer saw evolution as extending into realms of sociology and ethics, so he also supported Lamarckism.

Average Rating
4.0
Aggregate review score sourced from Goodreads
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