Which political philosophy is illustrated by Herbert Spencer’s views?

Herbert Spencer's views are best encapsulated by the philosophy of Social Darwinism. Spencer applied Charles Darwin's theory of natural selection to human society, positing that just as species evolve and adapt through natural selection, so too do societies and individuals. He believed that social progress results from the survival of the fittest, advocating for the idea that the strongest individuals or groups would naturally prevail in economic and social competitions, leading to a natural order that favored certain social hierarchies.

Social Darwinism emphasized minimal government intervention in economic affairs, suggesting that such interference would disrupt the natural process of societal evolution. This notion aligned with a broader acceptance during the late 19th and early 20th centuries that justified economic inequality and the status of the wealthy as being indicative of their superiority or ability to excel in the social order. Spencer's philosophy was often used to rationalize imperialism, capitalism, and a laissez-faire approach to politics and economics.

Other political philosophies, such as Progressivism, Libertarianism, and Marxism, each have distinct characteristics that diverge from Spencer's ideas. Progressivism, for example, sought to address social injustices through reform and greater governmental intervention, while Marxism fundamentally critiques capitalism and advocates for a class