A General View of Positivism

by Auguste Comte, Frederic Harrison, John Henry Bridges

Overview

"A General View of Positivism" by Auguste Comte offers a concise yet comprehensive exposition of Comte's influential system of thought and life. A cornerstone of sociology and social science, this pivotal work outlines the core tenets of positivism, a philosophy emphasizing empirical observation and scientific methodology as the primary means of understanding the world.

Comte's "General View" provides a summary of his broader philosophical system, exploring its implications for social organization, human progress, and the role of science in shaping society. Delve into Comte's vision for a society guided by reason and scientific principles. This edition meticulously preserves the original text, offering readers direct access to a foundational text in philosophy and the development of social thought. A vital resource for anyone interested in the history of sociology, philosophy, and the positivist movement.

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it.

This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.

Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781023371001
Publisher:	Anson Street Press
Publication date:	03/29/2025
Pages:	272
Product dimensions:	6.14(w) x 9.21(h) x 0.57(d)

Read an Excerpt

these two elements, once established, is in little danger of being disturbed. For since it is equally favourable to both of them, both will be interested in maintaining it. The fact that Reason in modern times has become habituated to revolt, is no ground for supposing that it will always retain its revolutionary character, even when its legitimate claims have been fully satisfied. Supposing the case to arise, however, society, as I shall show afterwards, would not be without the means of repressing any pretensions that were subversive of order. There is another point of view which may assure us that the position given to the heart under the new system will involve no danger to the growth of intellect. Love, when real, ever desires light, in order to attain its ends. The influence of true feeling is as favourable to sound thought as to wise activity. Our doctrine, therefore, is one which ren- na™nofOithe ders hypocrisy and oppression alike impossible. nislhs And it now stands forward as the result of all ££'"f ?osili- the efforts of the past, for the regeneration of Um- order, which, whether considered individually or socially, is so deeply compromised by the anarchy of the present time. It establishes a fundamental principle by which true philosophy and sound polity are brought into correlation ; a principle which can be felt as well as proved, and which is at once the key-stone of a system and a basis of government. I shall show, moreover, in the fifth chapter that the doctrine is as rich in esthetic beauty as in philosophical power and in social influence. This will complete the proof of its efficacy as the centre of a universal system. Viewed from the moral,scientific, or poetical aspect, it is equally valuable; and it is the only principle which can bring Humanity safely ...

Table of Contents

1. Intellectual character of positivism; 2. The social aspect of positivism; 3. The action of positivism upon the working classes; 4. The influence of positivism upon women; 5. The relation of positivism to art; 6. Conclusion. The religion of humanity.