Evolutionary Ethics of George Bernard Shaw

Abstract

This chapter explores George Bernard Shaw's emergence away from the then prevalent Victorian aestheticism. It discusses his uniquely Shavian dramaturgy and the concept of Life Force as both a philosophical framework and a critical tool in his dramatic works. Rooted in evolutionary ethics and idealist thought, the Life Force embodies Shaw's vision of humanity's potential to advance intellectually, morally, and socially. Through plays such as Man and Superman and Saint Joan, Shaw dramatizes the tension between societal stagnation and evolutionary progress, using characters who either channel or resist this metaphysical drive. The chapter examines how the Life Force functions as a unique method of literary criticism-judging institutions, ideologies, and behaviors against their capacity to evolve. It argues that Shaw's theory remains profoundly relevant today, offering a hopeful, future-oriented model for addressing systemic injustice, ecological crisis, and ethical paralysis. By revisiting Shaw's teleological critique, the chapter suggests that the Life Force provides a vital framework for achieving justice and sustainability in the 21st century.