August Comte

Positivism

a theory of knowlege which holds that there is one social reality “out there” that we as humans can access through the scientific meths

• society can be studied and analyzed like physical matter

Comte’s view on postivism

believes there is an external and immutable reality + ultimate truth

• “positive” truth is gained through careful observation and experimentation

• true knowledge is derived only though scientific observation and experimentation, not religion or pure reason

Critiques of Postivism

science is not value free, and knowledge is not lawful

• knowledge is a human social construction that changes

• patterns continue to change over time

Law of Three Stages

1. Theological

2. Metaphysical

3. Positivist

Private Industrialists

• chief agents of the positivist mentality

• apply scienve for the benefit of humanity

• new enlightened aristocracy

Organiscism

Order is created by the parts of society that all work together in harmony to sustain the whole

Altruism

• subordination of the individual to collective control

• “moral duty to live for others”

• selflessness and benevolent action that prioritizes the welfare of others over oneself

Beliefs on religion

supernatural beliefs would be replaced by scientific belief, or a religion of humanity

Family

the primary unit of society, responsible for integrating children into society and instilling empathy for others