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Comte and Spencer

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One might ask, “What is an evolutionary theory?” as I have asked myself several times whilst conducting research for this essay. My conclusion is that it is, quite simply, a theory of evolution. The online Oxford Dictionary defines evolution as, “The gradual development of something.” (2012) The dictionary defines a theory as, “A supposition or a system of ideas intended to explain something…” Therefore, by using these two definitions, it can be said that a social evolutionary theory is a system of ideas intended to explain the gradual development of society. This question is vital in interpreting the purpose of this essay. The task at hand in completing this essay is to compare and contrast the social evolutionary theories of Auguste Comte and Herbert Spencer. Before we analyze these theorist’s works, it is critical that we first look at the setting under which these men lived and worked. According to Ritzer (2011), Comte and Spencer both lived most of their lives during the 19th century. Comte lived from 1798 to 1857 while Spencer lived from 1820 to 1903. Comte and Spencer were from France and Britain respectively. The 18th and 19th centuries in Europe was characterized by widespread social change due to the Enlightenment period and the French Revolution. I think that this time period was the reason why social evolutionary theories were needed because of the extensive amount of change taking place in such a short time. There was a need for and a fascination with explanations and future predictions of this social change. They both recognized that social change was the most important subject of study and this was clearly reflected in their work. (Ritzer, 2011) In order to compare and contrast the social theories of these men, a distinction of the characteristics of a social evolutionary theory must be made. For the intentions of this essay, the theories of both

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