Which theory presented by Darwin contributed significantly to social discussions during the industrial revolution?

The Theory of Evolution, formulated by Charles Darwin, profoundly influenced social discussions during the Industrial Revolution because it provided a scientific framework that addressed human development and societal progress in a naturalistic context. Darwin's ideas introduced the concept of natural selection, which suggested that species, including humans, evolve over time through a process of adaptation to their environments. This was revolutionary at the time, as it encouraged people to think about human society and its structures in terms of competition, survival, and adaptation.

During the Industrial Revolution, as society underwent rapid technological and social changes, Darwin's theory sparked debates around social hierarchies, class structures, and human behavior in a rapidly industrializing world. It led to the emergence of social Darwinism, which misapplied evolutionary concepts to justify economic policies and social inequalities, arguing that the success of certain groups could be attributed to their superiority in the 'struggle for existence.' This sparked discussions about meritocracy, race, and the role of the government in addressing social issues.

In contrast, quantum theory and the theory of relativity focus on physical phenomena and the laws of physics, which were not directly applicable to social discourse of the time. Behaviorism, focused on psychology and observable behavior, developed later and did not influence the societal