Herbert Spencer sought to unify all of the sciences and ethics under a common set of theoretical principles loosely derived from the physics of his time and outlined in First Principles (1862). The Principles of Sociology was a later work in Spencer's grand scheme, with the first installments appearing in 1874 and continuing until 1896. The re-issue of the complete volumes of this great work will stimulate renewed interest in Spencer's sociology, not just as an historical curiosity, but as a body of work that can still inform sociology. Indeed, at a time when it seems sociology has mined its classics for all the gold they contain, Spencer's work provides a "mother lode" of new treasures. Sociologists and others will be surprised at the profound insights they will find in The Principles of Sociology.This complete three volume set of The Principles is divided into eight "Parts." Part I sets up the approach for the rest of the volumes. Here, Spencer distinguishes the inorganic, organic, and superorganic realms of the universe, with the most important comparison being the differences between the organic and superorganic. The most well-known sections appear in Part II on "The Introductions of Sociology" where the similarities and differences between superorganic and organic bodies are introduced. However, there is much more to Part II because here the basic theory is developed, which still informs contemporary sociology. Approximately two thirds of The Principles of Sociology is dedicated to analysis of human institutional systems. In these pages, which comprise Parts III-VIII of The Principles, Spencer mobilizes even more data to develop specific principles about the operation of institutional systems.The Principles of Sociology is filled with insights and still worthwhile principles on the dynamics of human organization. Portrayals of Spencer as a naive functionalist and advocate of laissez-faire are inaccurate and unfair, as these volumes demonstrate. Spencer presents us with a set of principles about the operation of human societies. This book will be essential to sociologists, and others professionally interested in social science theory and the history of ideas.

Do citizens have the right to act as if the government does not exist? That's the controversial question that British philosopher Herbert Spencer takes on in the thought-provoking essay "The Right to Ignore the State." In Spencer's view, the answer is a resounding "yes." Whether you're a die-hard libertarian or someone who is interested in learning more about that political philosophy, this brief but compelling essay is a solid introduction.

One of the most influential thinkers of the 19th century, Herbert Spencer was a proponent of Social Darwinism and a pioneer in the field of sociology. First published in 1876, 'The Principles of Sociology' is a massive work that attempts to apply evolutionary theory to the study of human society. Spencer covers topics such as the origins of society, the division of labor, and the development of religion, among others. This book is a key text in the history of sociology and is still widely read today. This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the "public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

Herbert Spencer was an English philosopher and prominent social theorist of the Victorian era. In his work The Philosophy of Style he argues that written language should be as easy to understand as possible, allowing for the most effective and efficient possible communication. His suggestions for sentence structure supported ideas on formalist rhetoric.

Call number of original: B1653.F34 1902.Master microform held by: DLC.