Social Darwinism in American Thought

Social Darwinism in American Thought portrays the overall influence of Darwin on American social theory & the notable battle waged among thinkers over the implications of evolutionary theory for social thought & political action. Theorists such as Herbert Spencer & Wm Graham Sumner adopted the idea of the struggle for existence as justification for the evils as well as the benefits of laissez-faire modern industrial society. Others such as Wm James & John Dewey argued that human planning was needed to direct social development & improve upon the natural order. Hofstadter’s study of the ramifications of Darwinism is a major analysis of the social philosophies that animated intellectual movements of the Gilded Age & the Progressive Era.
Introduction
Author’s Note
Author’s Introduction
The Coming of Darwinism
The Vogue of Spencer
William Graham Sumner: Social Darwinist
Lester Ward: Critic
Evolution, Ethics & Society
The Dissenters
The Current of Pragmatism
Trends in Social Theory, 1890-1915
Racism & Imperialism
Conclusion
Bibliography
Notes
Index