The Life and Letters of Herbert Spencer

Based on his correspondence, a 1908 biography of one of the late nineteenth century's most influential and controversial thinkers.

David Duncan (Author)

9781108066815, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 21 November 2013

666 pages, 17 b/w illus.
21.6 x 14 x 3.7 cm, 0.84 kg

One of the most famous intellectuals of the second half of the nineteenth century, Herbert Spencer (1820–1903) wrote across an impressive range of scientific and philosophical subjects. Although at the time his work was successful and influential, especially in America, it has since been subjected to criticism and reassessment. Principally remembered for his evolutionary theory and for coining the term 'survival of the fittest', Spencer came to be regarded as a Social Darwinist and proponent of unrestricted capitalism. In the field of sociology, he advocated the application of scientific examination to social phenomena, and his individualist philosophy provided inspiration for later libertarian thinkers. Published in 1908 by David Duncan (1839–1923), this substantial biography closely tracks Spencer's developing interests, closing with an assessment of his character and significance. It contains an abundance of extracts from letters to such figures as Charles Darwin, John Stuart Mill and T. H. Huxley.

Preface
1. Family history and parentage
2. Childhood and youth
3. Engineering
4. Literature wooed, but not won
5. Engineering once more
6. His first book
7. A new psychology
8. The unification of knowledge
9. First principles
10. Biology
11. Sunshine and shadow
12. Psychology and descriptive sociology
13. The study of sociology
14. Distaste for honours and ceremonial
15. The secularization of morals
16. Egypt and America
17. A political creed for true liberalism
18. Religious discussion
19. The factors of organic evolution
20. In defence of freedom and justice
21. Altruism as a factor in social evolution
22. Latter day controversies
23. Completing the synthetic philosophy
24. Congratulations
25. Revision of Biology and First Principles
26. Inorganic evolution
27. His last book
28. The close of life
29. Characteristics and personal reminiscences
30. Spencer's place in the history of thought
Appendices
Index.

Subject Areas: History of ideas [JFCX]