The Great Courses Learning Page

 So, I wanted a solid definition, so I used google of course (my encyclopedia go to *lol*) Social Darwinism is a social theory applying "survival of the fittest" to human society, while economic laissez-faire is a hands-off economic policy with minimal government intervention . These concepts often intersected during the late 19th century, with Social Darwinism providing a philosophical justification for laissez-faire capitalism by arguing that government intervention to help the poor or regulate businesses interfered with the "natural" competition that created stronger individuals and companies.   Social Darwinism Core idea : Applies biological concepts of natural selection to social, economic, and political competition. Key tenet : The strong and "fittest" (in terms of wealth, status, or perceived ability) would naturally rise to the top, while the weak would fall behind. Justification for inequality : Argued that social and economic inequalities were no...