Meaning: The quote "Spencer's god was Evolution, sometimes also called Progress" is attributed to Talcott Parsons, a prominent American sociologist. This statement provides insight into the ideas and beliefs of Herbert Spencer, a 19th-century philosopher, biologist, and sociologist who is best known for his contributions to social Darwinism and the concept of evolution as applied to society.

Herbert Spencer was a key figure in the development of social Darwinism, a theory that applied Charles Darwin's principles of natural selection and evolution to human societies. Spencer believed that societies and cultures evolve and progress through a process of natural selection, with the most fit and adaptable traits and behaviors being favored and perpetuated over time. This perspective led Spencer to view evolution as a guiding force in the development of human societies, shaping their structures, institutions, and norms.

Spencer's concept of evolution as a guiding force in society was closely tied to his belief in progress. He saw the evolution of societies as a march toward greater complexity, organization, and efficiency, reflecting a progressive improvement in the human condition. This notion of progress was central to Spencer's worldview and informed his ideas across various domains, including sociology, biology, and philosophy.

The quote by Talcott Parsons suggests that Spencer's beliefs in evolution and progress were so fundamental and all-encompassing that they could be likened to a deity or guiding force. By referring to "Evolution, sometimes also called Progress" as Spencer's god, Parsons highlights the quasi-religious fervor with which Spencer held these concepts. This characterization underscores the profound impact of Spencer's ideas on his own thinking and on the intellectual currents of his time.

Spencer's influence extended beyond the realm of sociology to encompass broader intellectual and cultural currents of the 19th century. His ideas resonated with the prevailing ethos of progress and improvement that characterized the Victorian era, and they found fertile ground in the context of rapid industrialization, technological advancement, and imperial expansion. Spencer's theories provided a framework through which many sought to understand and justify the social changes and inequalities of the time.

However, Spencer's ideas also sparked considerable controversy and criticism. His application of evolutionary principles to social and political issues led to accusations of social Darwinism being used to justify racism, imperialism, and laissez-faire capitalism. Critics argued that Spencer's theories provided a pseudo-scientific veneer for social inequalities and exploitation, and they cautioned against the dangers of applying biological concepts to human societies.

In the realm of sociology, Talcott Parsons himself was a key figure in the development of structural functionalism, a theoretical framework that sought to understand society as a complex system with interconnected parts working together to maintain stability and equilibrium. Parsons' reference to Spencer's god as Evolution or Progress can be seen in the context of his own work, which aimed to develop a systematic and comprehensive understanding of social order and change.

In conclusion, the quote "Spencer's god was Evolution, sometimes also called Progress" encapsulates the centrality of evolution and progress in the thinking of Herbert Spencer, a major figure in the development of social Darwinism and the application of evolutionary principles to society. This characterization sheds light on the profound influence of Spencer's ideas on the intellectual and cultural currents of his time, while also acknowledging the controversies and criticisms that his theories provoked. Through this quote, we gain insight into the ways in which Spencer's beliefs in evolution and progress shaped his worldview and continue to resonate within the discipline of sociology.