Herbert Spencer 
The Complete Essays by Herbert Spencer (Vol. 1-3) 

Herbert Spencer’s seminal work, ‘The Complete Essays by Herbert Spencer (Vol. 1-3)’, is a collection of some of his most significant essays that delve into the fields of sociology, philosophy, and ethics. Known for his evolutionary perspective and social Darwinism, Spencer’s writing style is characterized by a blend of scientific rigor and philosophical insight. The essays in this collection offer a unique perspective on societal development, individual liberty, and the role of government in shaping human progress. Spencer’s analytical approach and keen observations make this collection a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of science and society in the 19th century context. His influence on the fields of sociology and politics is undeniable, and this collection serves as a comprehensive introduction to his ideas and theories. Herbert Spencer’s body of work reflects his belief in the power of individual agency and the importance of social cohesion for societal advancement. Readers interested in exploring the intellectual foundations of modern social science will find this collection both enlightening and thought-provoking.

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Herbert Spencer (1820-1903) was an English philosopher, biologist, anthropologist, and sociologist famous for his theory of social Darwinism whereby superior physical force shapes history. Spencer is best known as the originator of the expression ‘survival of the fittest’, which he coined in Principles of Biology (1864). The term strongly suggests natural selection, yet Spencer saw evolution as extending into realms of sociology and ethics, so he also supported Lamarckism. Spencer developed an all-embracing conception of evolution as the progressive development of the physical world, biological organisms, the human mind, and human culture and societies. As a polymath, he contributed to a wide range of subjects, including ethics, religion, anthropology, economics, political theory, philosophy, literature, astronomy, biology, sociology, and psychology.