Sociology: Comte, Spencer, Positivism, and Social Darwinism (Key Terms)

Vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts from the notes on Auguste Comte, positivism, social statics/dynamics, the Law of Three Stages, Spencer's Organic Analogy and General Evolution, and Social Darwinism.

Sociology

The term coined by Auguste Comte for the new academic discipline devoted to studying society using scientific methods.

Positivism

Comte's philosophy applying the natural sciences model to the study of society, emphasizing observation, data, and scientific analysis.

Social Statics

Forces in a society that promote order, stability, and social structure.

Social Dynamics

Forces in a society that drive conflict, change, and social evolution.

The Law of Three Stages

Comte's idea that human thought develops through theological, metaphysical, and rational/positive stages.

Theological Stage

First stage; explanations of human life based on kinship, religion, and the supernatural.

Metaphysical Stage

Second stage; explanations based on abstract philosophical speculation and the State.

Rational (Positive) Stage

Third stage; explanations based on systematic observation, experimentation, data collection, and analysis.

The Natural Sciences Model

Applying the methods of the natural sciences to the study of society.

The Pope of Sociology

A nickname for Comte, reflecting his leadership and authority in the field.

The Organic Analogy

Spencer's view that societies resemble living organisms, with institutions acting as specialized organs.

Theory of General Evolution

Spencer's framework explaining social and organic change through general evolution and adaptation.

Social Darwinism

The application of Darwinian ideas to social hierarchy, suggesting inequality is natural and justifiable.

Biological Determinism / Reductionism

The claim that biology determines social position and behavior; later criticized as non-scientific.

Survival of the Fittest

Darwinian phrase popularized (and misattributed to Darwin) used to justify wealth concentration and inequality.

John D. Rockefeller

Wealthy industrialist who reportedly used Social Darwinism to justify vast economic disparities during industrialization.