Human Nature and Conduct · Character

Herbert Spencer

English philosopher and sociologist discussed in relation to evolution and conduct.

minor

Also known as Spencer

First appearance: human nature and conduct

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Referenced implicitly through the critique of explaining social phenomena by direct reference to native powers, akin to Spencer's evolutionary psychology.

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Philosophers of Human Conduct

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Aristotle
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Herbert Spencer appears across 6 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

I: Impulses and Change of Habit
Referenced implicitly through the critique of explaining social phenomena by direct reference to native powers, akin to Spencer's evolutionary psychology.
V: Classification of Instincts
Dewey alludes to Spencerian evolutionary psychology in the context of classifying instincts and the influence of social conditions on such theories.
No Separate Instincts
Mentioned in the context of the 'optimistic theory of nature' and natural harmony, which Dewey critiques.
Habit and Intelligence
Mentioned for his evolutionary ideal of complete and final adaptation of organism to environment.
Deliberation and Calculation
Referenced implicitly through the critique of utilitarian calculation, which Spencer's evolutionary ethics also influenced.
Morals Are Human
Dewey critiques Spencer's evolutionary philosophy for treating natural laws as moral norms and for justifying laissez-faire by identifying justice with the law of cause and effect.

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See Herbert Spencer in I: Impulses and Change of Habit