# Herbert Spencer — Mutual Aid character guide

> Herbert Spencer in Mutual Aid by Peter Kropotkin.

**Role:** minor

**Also known as:** Herbert Spencer, Spencer

**First appearance:** 0001-mutual-aid

## Who they are

Philosopher and sociologist, proponent of social Darwinism, criticized in the text.

## In the story

### [Mutual Aid](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mutual_aid_se/chapters/mutual-aid)

Spencer is referenced in the context of the broader debate about competition and cooperation in evolution.

### [Mutual Aid Among Animals](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mutual_aid_se/chapters/i-mutual-aid-among-animals)

Attempted to widen the inquiry into 'Who are the fittest?' in his Data of Ethics.

### [Mutual Aid Amongst Ourselves (Continued)](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mutual_aid_se/chapters/viii-mutual-aid-amongst-ourselves-continued)

Implied through reference to 'obliging philosophers and sociologists' teaching mutual hatred, though not directly named.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mutual_aid_se/characters/herbert_spencer
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mutual_aid_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mutual_aid_se/characters