darwinism

2 definitions • 3 examples

the theories of Charles Darwin, which describe how animals and plants change and develop over millions of years, with those that are best suited to their environment being the most successful and others that are less well suited not continuing to exist:

Some Christians opposed the teaching of Darwinism and evolution.

a theory or system in which it is believed that the best people, businesses, etc. will be successful, while those that are not successful should be allowed to fail without being helped:

social Darwinism The ideas of social Darwinism and eugenics were gradually discredited.

This is a frightening sort of educational Darwinism in which the nation is failing children who need the most help.