Survival of the fittest

Survival of the fittest is a phrase which is a shorthand for a concept relating to competition for survival or predominance. Originally applied to economics by Herbert Spencer, Spencer drew parallels with Charles Darwin's theories of evolution by what Darwin termed natural selection. The phrase is essentially a metaphor and is often felt to be unhelpful - biologists almost exclusively use natural selection in preference. Some have argued that it is a tautology, since if "fitness" is measured in terms of survival, the phrase becomes "survival of the survivors". Others argue that it is not a tautology, but a biological definition of "fitness".

"Survival of the fittest" and morality

Many opponents of the evolution theory, particularly those who find that it offends their morality or religious precepts, argue that "survival of the fittest" is a justification for violence and cruelty. Their opponents consider this to be an example of the naturalistic fallacy — just because something is true does not necessarily make it right.

Related Topics:
Evolution theory - Morality - Religious - Precepts - Justification - Violence - Cruelty - Naturalistic fallacy - Right

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However, there have been those who have tried to use evolution as justification for pseudoscientific ideas such as eugenics, but which are not supported by evolutionary theory.

Related Topics:
Pseudoscientific - Eugenics

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