Page:American Journal of Sociology Volume 6.djvu/159



THE AMERICAN

JOURNAL OF SOCIOLOGY

VOLUME VI

SEPTEMBER, 1900 NU MB ER2

THE ETHICS OF THE COMPETITIVE PROCESS.

THE result of the argument, as carried on in the preceding chapter, 1 has been to show that no absolute or a priori principle can be established regarding the proper sphere of social or political control, but that in every case conditions of fact should govern. It has been alleged by some, however, that, starting purely from such an empiric basis, it can be established as a general principle that the coercive power of the state should be kept within the closest limits possible. It is asserted, in short, that this is the lesson taught by a study of the conditions of life generally in the biological world. In the sub-human world, it is said, continued progress and development have been ren- dered possible solely by the fact that individuals have been forced to bear the consequences which necessarily came from unrestricted competition with the members of their own and other species. By a like competitive process, it is argued, the improvement of the human race may best be secured. The present chapter will be devoted to a consideration of the validity of this position.

The chief exponent of this theory is Mr. Herbert Spencer. The latest and probably final statement of his views is to be

1 This article is, in substance, a chapter from a work entitled Social Justice, which is to appear in the early fall from the press of The Macmillan Co.