First Principles

Herbert Spencer's "First Principles" is a foundational work within his larger "Synthetic Philosophy". Published in 1862, it predates Charles Darwin's "On the Origin of Species" and presents Spencer's theory of evolution, which he believed applied to all aspects of existence, from the cosmos to human society.12

Spencer argued for a "law of the multiplication of effects," suggesting that external forces lead to increasing variety and development. He saw philosophy as a synthesis of scientific knowledge, aiming to replace theological systems. His work advocated for the preeminence of the individual and science, famously introducing the term "survival of the fittest" in his doctrine of social Darwinism. "First principles" are basic or self-evident principles.13