ABSTRACT
Darwin’s theory, Spencer’s theory and Morgan’s theory will be outlined in succession. The purpose of these differentiations is twofold. It is, firstly, to demonstrate the existence
of theoretical difference itself, to indicate the three quite distinct forms of conceptualisation and explanation confused by the (untheorised) category of ‘evolutionism’. Secondly, it is to indicate that the forms of classification and designation of societies, customs and living organisms established by these forms of theory are quite different and that this difference derives from the distinct nature of the forms of explanation involved. There is no such thing as a general ‘evolutionary perspective’ nor are there common principles of evolutionary classification.
