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== Connection with The Theory of Evolution ==

== Connection with The Theory of Evolution ==

In the early 20th century, the term Social Darwinism was in fashion.  This idea stated that the fittest people did the best in life, and, tautologically, those who did the best were the fittest.  Since evolutionary theory does not really apply to individuals, but to populations, this was never a valid application of the theory.  However, this idea has continued to be a popular topic. [[The Theory of Evolution]] suggests that humans evolved to their present state like all living organisms.  This implies that, should selective pressures change, humans as a species may also change.

[[The Theory of Evolution]] suggests that humans evolved to their present state like all living organisms.  This implies that, should selective pressures change, humans as a species may also change.  In the early 20th century, the term Social Darwinism was in fashion.  This idea stated that the fittest people did the best in life, and, tautologically, those who did the best were the fittest.  This was often used as a justification for racism and other oppression. Since evolutionary theory does not really apply to individuals, but to populations, this was never a valid application of the theory.  However, this idea has continued to be a popular topic.  

   

   

Charles Darwin declared in Descent of Man:<ref>Charles Darwin, The Descent of Man (London: John Murray, 1901), pp. 241-42 (footnote * is a reference to Anthropological Review, April, 1867, p. 236) http://www.literature.org/authors/darwin-charles/the-descent-of-man/chapter-06.html</ref>

Charles Darwin declared in Descent of Man:<ref>Charles Darwin, The Descent of Man (London: John Murray, 1901), pp. 241-42 (footnote * is a reference to Anthropological Review, April, 1867, p. 236) http://www.literature.org/authors/darwin-charles/the-descent-of-man/chapter-06.html</ref>