positivism

positivism was the philosophical system originated by Henri, comte de Saint-Simon, and developed by Auguste Comte. Positivists hold that science is the only valid form of knowledge, and that ‘positive’ facts—the sole subject-matter of science—are the only valid objects of knowledge. We must accept the natural world as we experience it, and not attempt to go behind nature in search of some ultimate reality or metaphysics. For positivists all aspects of human life, including politics, ethics, and even religion, could be established on a scientific basis, since human values were themselves simply facts. According to Comte, there have been three phases of intellectual development. The first was the theological stage, in which events in the physical world were explained in terms of external miraculous powers. The second was the metaphysical stage, in which natural events were assumed to be caused by some intrinsic quality or vital spirit within natural phenomena. Only in the third, the scientific or positive stage, has mankind advanced beyond pseudo-explanation to genuine knowledge. Progress depends upon scientific development, and the ultimate society is one ruled by a sociocracy, a scientific élite, dedicated to the worship of humanity (the positivist divinity which replaces God). Comte had few British disciples, though Buckle was attracted by positivism. But he influenced many scientists, philosophers, and sociologists, and positivism became part of the western scientific attitude in the 20th cent.

Tim S. Gray