1857day.year
Auguste Comte
(1798 - 1857)
French sociologist and philosopher
French sociologist and philosopher
French philosopher and sociologist who founded the doctrine of positivism and coined the term 'sociology'.
Born in Montpellier in 1798, Auguste Comte studied under Henri de Saint-Simon and developed the positive philosophy which prioritized empirical sciences over metaphysics. His six-volume 'Cours de philosophie positive' proposed a hierarchical classification of the sciences and argued for a society governed by scientific principles. Comte later formulated the 'Religion of Humanity', advocating moral values based on altruism and social solidarity. He established the discipline of sociology, coining its name and methodologies for studying social phenomena. Comte's ideas influenced a range of fields, including anthropology, political science, and psychology. He died in 1857, leaving a profound legacy in social thought.
1857
Auguste Comte