This theory of social evolution is described in First principles, the most important contribution of Herbert Spencer to sociology, however, is the theory of evolution. “Evolution is an integration of matter and concomitant dissipation of motion; during which the matter passes from an indefinite, incoherent homogeneity to a definite, coherent heterogeneity; and during which the retained notion undergoes a parallel transformation.” Within this framework of universal evolution, Spencer developed his “three basic laws” and his “four secondary propositions” catch building upon each and all upon the doctrine of evolution.
The Three Basic Laws are:
(1) the law of persistence of force (some ultimate cause that transcends knowledge);
(2) the law of the indestructibility of matter (disproved by modern physics); and
(3) the Law of the continuity of motion (cncrgy passes from one form to another but always persists). And the
Four Secondary Propositions are :
(1) persistence of the relationship between the force (uniformity of law).
(2) transformation and equivalence of forces,
(3) tendency of everything to move along the line of least resistance and greatest attraction, and
(4) the principle of the alternation or rhythm of motion.
The following is the further explanation of these laws:
- Force tends to persist.
According to the first law of energy there is no diminution or increase in the energy in the course of evolutionary change. The quantum of energy is persistent. It undergoes change. The energy is the cause of evolution but is itself unaffected by the evolutionary process.
- The matter is indestructible.
According to spencer matter which is one form or aspect of energy is never destroyed. It may undergo formal changes but i: cannot wither away or vanish from the world. The changes in the form of matter are but the fundamental nature of matter never changes. Therefore matter is indestructible.
- Motion is Indestructible.
The third primary law is the law of motion. Like matter, motion also is never destroyed. The motion is continuous and it is never wholly dissipated. There are, of course, changes in the form of motion. It is on account of these changes in form that there are stages in the evolutionary process.
Secondary Laws
Besides the above-mentioned three primary laws of physical evolution, Spencer has enumerated four secondary laws of evolution. These are:
- Uniformity of all laws.
According to Spencer there must be harmony among the various laws of evolution. No two laws should contradict each other.
- Principle of Formal Changes and Uniformity
According to this law neither matter nor motion are ever completely destroyed. These undergo changes in form only. Of course even quantum of matter or motion remains static.
- Principle of Least Resistance or Great Attraction.
According to this third law of evolution the direction of evolution is always towards the link of least resistance or greatest attraction
- Principle of Continuty of Motion.
For evolution motion is essential, it is not required that motion should be atone level all the time. lt may speed up or slow down.
According to Herbert Spencer, the knowable universe consists of material aggregates which are always in a condition of incessant change. There is an universal tendency for elements to move from a condition of unstable equilibrium to a stable state of equilibrium. The homogeneous is a condition of unstable equilibrium and must become heterogeneous; correspondingly, the simple must become compound and doubly compound and so on. Thus change involves transition from homogeneity to heterogeneity, and uniform to multiform. Spencer noted: “Social organization is at first vague; advance brings settled arrangements which grow slowly more which, while gaining fixity, also become more specific in their application to varieties of actions; and all institutions, at first confusedly intermingled, slowly separate, at the same time that each within itself marks off more distinctly its component structures. Thus in all respects is fulfilled the formula of evolution. There is progress towards greater size, coherence, multiformity, and definiteness.”
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