Spencer (HERBERT how the law)

Collier's New Encyclopedia (1921)

HERBERT how the law of evolution was gradually realized in life, mind, society, and morality. In pursuance of this comprehensive design Spencer published "First Principles" (1862); "Principles of Biology" (2 vols. 1864-1867); "Principles of Psychology" (2d ed. 2 vols. 1870- 1872); "Principles of Sociology" (3 vols. 1876-1896); "Principles of Ethics" (2 vols. 1879). The method of his "System" is deductive; though the deductions, small, are always accompanied by inductive verifications. Metaphysically Spencer's system is founded on the doctrine of relativity deduced by Hamilton and Mansel from Kant, but carried by him, as he says, a step further. Along with the definite consciousness of things known in relation to one another there is implied an indefinite consciousness of an absolute existence, in the recognition of which as inscrutable science and religion find their reconciliation. The principles of morality are looked on by Spencer as the copestone of his system, all his other investigations being only preliminary to them. Ethics, he holds, has its root in physical, biological, psychological, and nomena, for by them the conditions of human activity are prescribed and supplied. The best conduct is that which most fully realizes evolution-which promotes the greatest totality of life in self, offspring, and the race the balance of egoism and altruism being attained by a compromise between these contending principles. The measure of life is said to be pleasure, but the Utilitarian school is at fault in assuming that the end (greatest happiness) is better known than the means to it (morality); and in ignoring the fact that accumulated experiences of utility have become consolidated in the superior races into a moral sense. Modern scientists are generally disposed to regard Spencer as out-of-date, but it should be remembered that he deeply influenced contemporary speculation and was one of the few modern thinkers who carried out the attempt to give a systematic account of the universe in its totality. He died December 8, 1903.