Positivism

All of the theories, philosophers, and sociologist we learned about in chapter 1 impacted the world of sociology in vitally different ways. However, the one that I believe was most impactful, was Auguste Comte and his development of the concept of positivism. After all, Auguste Comte was the “Inventor of Sociology.”

In essence, positivism applies the scientific method, used in natural science, to the social sciences. Positivism takes the scientific method and uses it to explain human behavior and the solid world. Auguste firmly believed that “a new “positivist” age of history” (Openstax, 2016, Pg. 11) would emerge by using the scientific method to explain the interactions of society. Many of the social sciences owe an abundance of their acheivements and advancements to the concept of positivism. In many ways Comte’s scientific study acted as the building block for psychology, human geography, economics, and more.

Furthermore, perhaps the most ingenious part of Comte’s creation of positivism, is that it revealed that the scientific method works both to describe the laws of nature and the laws of society. Both the natural sciences and the social sciences, though very different in conceptual ideas, abide by certain rules. Comte understood this, simple, yet widely ignored revelation, and brought it the forefront of people’s attention. “Whenever we effect anything great it is through a knowledge of natural laws. . . . From Science come Prevision; from Prevision comes Action” (The Positive Philosophy of Auguste Comte I, 20–21 (source)). Without being told, Auguste could be talking about the natural sciences, social sciences, or for all we know, both of them in this quote. This furthers the reality that both sciences are regulated by laws, and that, by understanding these laws, we can foresee and thereby, prepare for the future.

Comte’s positivsm revealed that the social sciences are controlled by distinct laws just like natural science is. It created a methological way to explore the social dynamics around us. His work and achievements paved the way for the formation of the social sciences as we understand them today. That is why, in my opinion, positivism is the most impactful concept distinguished in chapter 1.