Question

The quote below was written by a prominent figure in 1889:

"While the law [of competition] may be sometimes hard for the individual, it is best for the race, because it ensures the survival of the fittest in every department. We accept and welcome, therefore, as conditions to which we must accommodate ourselves, great inequality of environment, the concentration of business, industrial and commercial, in the hands of a few, and the law of competition between these, as being not only beneficial but essential for the future progress of the race."
Which philosophy is represented by this quote? what are the characteristics of reliable science?
a. Social Darwinism
b. radical nativism
c. socialism
d. populism

Answer 1

The philosophy represented by the quote is Social Darwinism, which applies Darwin's theory of evolution to human society. Reliable science has characteristics such as empirical evidence, peer review, falsifiability, and objectivity.

Step-by-step explanation:

The philosophy represented by this quote is Social Darwinism. Social Darwinism is an ideology that draws upon Charles Darwin's theory of evolution and applies it to human society. It argues that the advancement of the human race is facilitated by allowing those who are unable to compete effectively in society to die out, thus ensuring that only the fittest individuals survive and pass on their traits.

Reliable science has certain characteristics that help distinguish it from pseudo-science. Some of these characteristics include:

1. Empirical evidence: Reliable science is based on observable, measurable evidence that can be tested and verified.
2. Peer review: Scientific studies undergo a rigorous process of review by experts in the field who evaluate the methodology, results, and conclusions.
3. Falsifiability: Scientific theories and hypotheses are formulated in a way that allows them to be potentially disproven through further research.
4. Objectivity: Science strives to be free from personal bias or subjective interpretation, relying on logical reasoning and evidence-based conclusions.