From Optimism to Pessimism: The Case of Herbert Spencer, Part 1
George H. Smith begins his series on Spencer’s pessimistic outlook on the future of freedom and the reasons behind it.
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George H. Smith begins his series on Spencer’s pessimistic outlook on the future of freedom and the reasons behind it.
George H. Smith discusses the controversy about Spencer’s use of opium and its possible effect on his later pessimism.
George H. Smith discusses Spencer’s opposition to the Boer War—a cause that dominated the last several years of his life.
George H. Smith discusses Spencer’s theory of social progress, while calling attention to some of its theoretical problems.
George H. Smith discusses some of Spencer’s concerns about the intellectual and moral obstacles to achieving a free society.
Smith discusses how Herbert Spencer's analyses of nineteenth-century Germany and France contributed to his pessimistic outlook on the future of freedom.
George H. Smith discusses Spencer’s fear that democracy will destroy freedom in the long run.