Progressives believed in using government intervention to create social and economic reforms to improve society. Social Darwinists, on the other hand, believed in the idea of survival of the fittest and that government intervention would interfere with natural selection and the progress of society.
The belief in the consent of the governed, which is a key aspect of the social contract theory, can be found in the US Constitution. This is reflected in principles such as popular sovereignty, which asserts that the power of the government is derived from the people.
Rousseau's idea differed from his contemporaries in his belief in the natural goodness of humanity and the corrupting influence of society. He argued for a more egalitarian society with a social contract based on the general will of the people rather than the rule of a monarch or aristocracy. Rousseau also emphasized the importance of education and the need for a more compassionate and harmonious social order.
The belief in logic and reason promoted the beginnings of social sciences by encouraging a systematic approach to studying human behavior and society. This led to the development of methods for collecting and analyzing data, as well as the establishment of disciplines like sociology, psychology, and anthropology, which seek to understand social phenomena through observation, experimentation, and analysis.
Hinduism traditionally supports the caste system, with individuals being born into specific castes based on karma. Buddhism, however, rejects the caste system and teaches the equality of all beings. This difference could affect societies today by influencing social structures and attitudes towards social mobility and discrimination based on one's birth.
Progressivism involves a mix of pragmatism and social justice principles. It emphasizes the need for social, political, and economic reform to address issues like inequality, discrimination, and environmental degradation. Progressives often advocate for policies that promote equality, individual rights, and collective well-being.
Christianity should be the basis of social reform.
Social Darwinists applied Charles Darwin's theory of evolution through natural selection. They believed that the weaker members of society were as they were not because of their environment, but because they were lazy, unfit people, that wanted nothing more than to bring down the rest. During the popularization of Social Darwinism, those that were considered "superior," were those of high standing, of much influence, or of wealth. The lower and middle masses, were considered weak, and through the Social Darwinist view, things that society was better off with. This was pervaded by Horatio Alger stories and the belief that if they wished, people of lower classes could rise to fame and glory. Many Social Darwinists were also advocates of eugenics, and it is through the Social Darwinist philosophy, that the US Eugenics Movement came about in the 1960s. In terms of reform, Social Darwinism did little to help. If anything, it inhibited the efforts of many Progressives. While Progressives vied for social reform, Social Darwinists were content to leave things as they were. They believed that if things were left to their own accord, natural selection would take place, and the weaker members of society would be replaced by stronger, more able members. Eventually The Progressive Movement gained more support among the public, and reforms created despite the obstacles set by Social Darwinists.
Christianity should be the basis of social reform.
Americans were obligated to spread Anglo-Saxon culture and belief systems to the so-called "primitive" races.
Social Darwinists justified imperialism by arguing that it was the natural result of the struggle for existence and survival of the fittest. They believed that more advanced nations had a duty to conquer and civilize less advanced societies for their own benefit. This belief system provided a moral justification for exploiting and dominating other nations.
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Christianity should be the basis of social reform.
Social Darwinists believed in survival of the fittest, that individuals should compete for success in society, while the Social Gospel movement emphasized helping the less fortunate and promoting social justice through Christian principles. Social Darwinists viewed individuals as responsible for their own success or failure in industrialized society, while the Social Gospel movement advocated for collective responsibility and assistance for all members of society.
They accepted that we had to push out people who were standing in our way.
Social Darwinists were people who applied Charles Darwin's theory of natural selection to human society. They believed that competition in society would lead to the survival of the fittest and that this should be applied to social and economic policies. This ideology was used to justify inequalities and oppression in society.
Social Darwinists believed that individuals and societies competed in a struggle for existence, where only the fittest would survive and prosper. They applied Charles Darwin's theory of natural selection to human societies, arguing that government intervention in social and economic affairs would interfere with this natural process and hinder progress. This belief system justified practices such as laissez-faire capitalism and imperialism.
Changes in social conditions