HERBERT SPENCER AND THE INVENTION OF MODERN LIFE

ISBN-13: 9781844650866 / Angielski / Twarda / 2007 / 464 str.

Mark Francis

Opis

The ideas of the English philosopher Herbert Spencer (1820-1903) have shaped evolutionary theory, philosophy of science, sociology & politics. This work aims to dispel the plethora of misinformation surrounding Spencer, throwing light on the broader cultural history of the 19th century.

Recenzje

'The publication of Mark Francis's volume marks a significant moment not just for Spencer scholarship but for all historians of late nineteenth-century science. A great achievement - the book that Spencer studies has needed for quite some time.' - British Journal for the History of Science

'A magisterial study which is likely to remain a standard reference on its subject for many years to come.' - History and Philosophy of the Life Sciences

'Francis has produced an important and intelligent book not only on Spencer, but also on his political, scientific, social, and religious context in mid-Victorian Britain. In relocating the assumptions about Victorian politics, social science, and evolutionary biology, this work deserves a wide audience, within and well beyond historical scholarship.' - The Historical Journal

Spis treści

Preface, Chronology, List of illustrations, Introduction, I An individual and his personal culture, II The lost world of Spencer’s metaphysics, III Spencer’s biological writings and his philosophy of science, IV Politics and ethical sociology, Notes, Bibliography, Index

O autorze

Mark Francis is Professor of Political Science at the University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand.