f) The nature of heredity is at present a vexed question in biology. Weismann, the biological specialist, denies that acquired characters can be transmitted, while Spencer contends that they are. (Vide articles in Contemporary Review, September 1893–October 1894 and September 1895 also Romanes, An Examination of Weismannism, Open Court Co.)
V. The Application of the Evolutionary Theory to Social Phenomena.
Spencer: First Principles, Secs. 111–145.
Fiske: Cosmic Philosophy, Vol. II., Chaps, xviii. and xix.
Le Conte: Evolution and Its Relation to Religious Thought, pp. 3–7.
The Theory of Evolution and Social Progress. The Monist, July, 1895.
Ward: Dynamic Sociology, Vol. I., Chap. ii.
1. Herbert Spencer (1820) has extended the theory of evolution to include all phenomena, i. e., to interpret the whole cosmic order. He expresses his indebtedness to Wolff, Goethe and Von Baer. Spencer's formula contains the following propositions:
a) Evolution is a change from a less coherent to a more coherent form, consequent on the dissipation of motion and integration of matter.
b) From a homogeneous to a heterogeneous state.
c) From an indefinite to a definite form.
d) During this process the retained motion undergoes a parallel transformation.
2. John Fiske, in general a follower of Spencer, yet a thinker of independence and originality, has specifically applied the evolutionary conception to society as follows:
a) Social progress is a continuous establishment of inner (i. e., within the society) relations in conformity to outer relations.
b) In the course of this adaptation, the community continually increases in definite heterogeneity, through successive differentiations and integrations.
