Description
Positivism is a social philosophy that believes in the scientific method and that society progresses through a series of stages. Auguste Comte believes that a new moral power will emerge during this reorganization of society, and that under the motto "love, order and progress", humanism will replace organized religion as the object of spiritual worship.
In A General View of Positivism French philosopher Auguste Comte (1798-1857) gives an overview of his social philosophy known as Positivism. Comte, credited with coining the term 'sociology' and one of the first to argue for it as a science, is concerned with reform, progress and the problem of social order in society. In this English edition of the work, published in 1865, he addresses the practical problems of implementing his philosophy or doctrine, as he also refers to Positivism, into society. He believes that society evolves through a series of stages that are ruled by social laws and culminate in a superior form of social life. During this reorganisation of society, which will find its greatest supporters among women and the working class, a 'new moral power' will emerge. Under the motto 'love, order and progress' Comte wishes humanism to replace organised religion as the object of spiritual worship.