Social psychology is the science that studies individual beliefs, attitudes, and behaviours in settings where other people are present. The focus of social psychology is the individual within the group. As such, it is an ideal venue for studying those forces that change humans - their beliefs, their attitudes, and their behaviours.

Herbert Spencer remains a significant but poorly understood figure in 19th century intellectual life. His ideas on evolution ranged across the natural sciences and philosophy, and he pioneered new ideas in psychology and sociology. This book comprehensively examines his work and strips away common misconceptions about his sociology.