Overview
Auguste Comte (1798–1857) was the French founder of positivism and an early systematizer of sociology. Once secretary to Saint-Simon, he later built an independent course of positive philosophy. He proposed a Religion of Humanity with calendar and rites. Handbook dates: 1798–1857. Mental health crises marked his life; disciples institutionalized his school.
Main ideas
The law of three stages—theological, metaphysical, positive—charts sciences and societies toward empirical lawfulness. Sociology (social physics) crowns the hierarchy of sciences. Order and progress must be combined; positivism rejects revolutionary metaphysics. Consensus of hearts requires a secular spiritual power—the Religion of Humanity. Classification of sciences guides education and politics. Altruism as a coined moral ideal opposes egoistic individualism.
Major works
- Course of Positive Philosophy
- System of Positive Polity
- Catechism of Positive Religion
- Discourses on the Positive Spirit
Legacy
Comte named sociology and shaped nineteenth-century secular religions of science. Later positivists kept the empiricism and dropped the cult. Critics see authoritarian temper in his spiritual power.