Which philosophical concept did Social Darwinism apply to explain societal inequalities?

• A. Capitalism
• B. Natural selection
• C. Marxism
• D. Laissez-faire economics

Answer: (B)

Social Darwinism applies the concept of natural selection to societal inequalities by suggesting that just as species evolve and survive through a process of competition and adaptation in nature, so too do human societies and individuals. Proponents of Social Darwinism believed that the same principles of "survival of the fittest" observed in the natural world could be observed in economic and social contexts. This ideology argued that those who succeeded in society—typically the wealthy and powerful—were deemed the "fittest" and that this success reflected their superiority.

The application of natural selection to social structures served to justify the disparities in wealth and power by claiming they were the result of inherent differences in ability or value among individuals. This reasoning often led to the conclusion that attempts to assist the poor or disadvantaged were counterproductive because it interfered with the natural order of societal competition and progress.

In contrast, capitalism focuses on economic systems based on private ownership and market freedom but does not inherently explain societal inequalities through biological or evolutionary lenses. Marxism critiques capitalism and addresses class struggles but does not align with the ideation of natural selection. Laissez-faire economics advocates for minimal government intervention in the economy but also does not invoke natural selection as a means to rationalize social hierarchies.