Compare and Contrast Two Sociological Theories
Heather Woody 1) Compare and contrast any two sociological theories. Be sure to identify major theorist associated with the theories. Which is the better explanation? Why?
Survival of the Fittest/Social Darwinism & Altruism
Herbert Spencer used the phrase “Survival of the Fittest” after reading Charles Darwin’s On the Origin of Species. Mr. Darwin’s biological theory called, ‘natural selection,’ was what he considered the preservation of favored races in the struggle of life. The phrase is to mean that “only the fittest organism will prevail.” Any organism which succeeds in reproducing itself is considered to be “fit” and has and will contribute to the survival of its own species. The term is applied to Darwin’s theory of evolution by natural selection which can be used to understand the social endurance of a nation or country. This theory was espoused by Prince Peter Kropotkin, Altruism, but was coined by Auguste Comte. This is also called (William Donald) Hamilton’s Genetics Theory of social behavior. Altruism is any behavior of an animal that may be disadvantageous for the individual but benefits others of its species. In relation to humans it is the selfless concern for the well being of others. These are virtues in many cultures and religions that are practiced by humans. It is distinguished by loyalty and the motivation to help others, or wanting to do so, without the intention of receiving a reward. Pure Altruism is giving without regard to reward or the benefits of recognition and need. It may also refer to ethical doctrine that individuals are morally obliged to benefit others. When speaking about the study of social evolution, altruism refers to the behavior of an individual that increases the fitness of another individual while decreasing the fitness of the actor. Survival of the fittest is of course a sociobiological topic dealing with the ways that the best of each class will succeed all others. Whereas altruism is the behavior of
Survival of the Fittest/Social Darwinism & Altruism
Herbert Spencer used the phrase “Survival of the Fittest” after reading Charles Darwin’s On the Origin of Species. Mr. Darwin’s biological theory called, ‘natural selection,’ was what he considered the preservation of favored races in the struggle of life. The phrase is to mean that “only the fittest organism will prevail.” Any organism which succeeds in reproducing itself is considered to be “fit” and has and will contribute to the survival of its own species. The term is applied to Darwin’s theory of evolution by natural selection which can be used to understand the social endurance of a nation or country. This theory was espoused by Prince Peter Kropotkin, Altruism, but was coined by Auguste Comte. This is also called (William Donald) Hamilton’s Genetics Theory of social behavior. Altruism is any behavior of an animal that may be disadvantageous for the individual but benefits others of its species. In relation to humans it is the selfless concern for the well being of others. These are virtues in many cultures and religions that are practiced by humans. It is distinguished by loyalty and the motivation to help others, or wanting to do so, without the intention of receiving a reward. Pure Altruism is giving without regard to reward or the benefits of recognition and need. It may also refer to ethical doctrine that individuals are morally obliged to benefit others. When speaking about the study of social evolution, altruism refers to the behavior of an individual that increases the fitness of another individual while decreasing the fitness of the actor. Survival of the fittest is of course a sociobiological topic dealing with the ways that the best of each class will succeed all others. Whereas altruism is the behavior of