Abstract This paper takes a look at the history, life and work of Auguste Comte. This paper goes on to discuss his relationship with Saint-Simon, and how Comte's liaison with Saint-Simon led to Saint-Simon publishing Comte's work under his own name. This caused untold conflict.
From the Paper "Auguste Comte was born in Montpellier, France in 1798. His parents were Royalists and Catholics, though Comte rebelled against both of these ideologies once he was in his teenage years (Ellwood 359). After attempting to have a teacher dismissed from his position, Comte was expelled from the Ecole Polytechnique, and returned to Montpellier to begin his adult life. He began tutoring in mathematics, and then became associated with Saint-Simon who was considered an "original thinker" (Ellwood 359). Comte took Saint-Simon's ideas and gave them systematic substance that he turned into a work entitled, The Scientific Labors Necessary for the Reorganization of Society, published in 1824 by Saint-Simon. There was a great deal of conflict over the publication however, as Saint-Simon had altered the title, and claimed that each of the ideas within the publication belonged to him. "
Abstract This paper discusses the beginnings of sociology and the role played by French philosopher, Auguste Comte. The paper attempts to answer the question of whether Comte really was the father of sociology or whether he was the father of the obscure philosophy of positivism.
From the Paper "The French philosopher Auguste Comte is often called the father of sociology. Although Comte cannot merit the status of such a title of intellectual founding father status in perhaps the way Freud delineated the vocabulary and discourse of analysis-after all, 'Comtian' is not a capitalized, adjective in the same way that 'Freudian' has come to be a common form of slang for all matters pertaining to repression and parental relations in psychology. Still, Comte certainly provided, through his founding of the philosophy of positivism, the theoretical structure that enabled the discipline of sociology to become 'possible.' Comte not only coined the phrases that became common to sociological discourse, and also the term of the study of human society itself, but was the first philosopher to place the human being in the context of a social element, rather than to view the self as a mere soul, apart from the rest of society."
Abstract This paper analyzes the creator of sociology, French born philosopher Auguste Comte. The writer of this paper explores in-depth the "Three Stages" concept created by Comte which resulted in his being the first to develop and maintain a scientific approach to the role of individuals within society. This paper also delves into the philosopher's main contribution to a positivist philosophy.
From the Paper "In the decades that followed Comte's Positivism, the social scientists and thinkers expanded on them. On the liberal side, there was John Stuart Mill (influenced not only by Comte but by his father, James). His beliefs dealt with moral issues: the moral self-development of the individual becomes the ultimate value of ethics. On the opposite side was Karl Marx, whose radical theories were based on estrangement, and a violent overthrow of the status quo."
Abstract This paper tracks Comte's progress from the theoretical basis of his positive philosophy to the final practical outcome of social reformation. The initial step on his road of human evolution toward a complete social harmony (including unparalleled acceptance of a new genius of poetry and fine art) begins with the development of a strict ordering of the fundamental sciences.
Abstract This paper compares and contrasts Comte's Positivism Theory from his writings in "Great Being Humanity" to Socrates theories from "The Republic", Machiavelli's theories from "The Prince", and Rousseau's theories from "A Discourse on Inequality". The author analyzes these philosopher's ideals on society and justice and examines the way these ideals differ.
From the Paper "The idea of society and justice has been central to many philosophical discussions. There has not only been great debate in elation to the positivism and natural aspect of the working society. The philosophers discussed below look at the working of justice and society. The starting point for the purpose of this paper is Comte's theory of positivism. A trend in bourgeois philosophy which declares natural (empirical) sciences to be the sole source of true knowledge and rejects the cognitive value of philosophical study. Positivism emerged in response to the inability of speculative philosophy (e.g. Classical German Idealism) to solve philosophical problems which had arisen as a result of scientific development."
Abstract This paper discusses that animal cloning is an issue that has stirred great controversy among scientists, philosophers, and members of religious groups, with some objecting to cloning from religious standpoints and others objecting on the basis that a great many early animal clones were born with severe birth defects. The author stresses the teachings of Auguste Comte, which center on the theories of evolution, to question the ethical and moral implications of using animal cloning. The paper relates that the Stoics believed the path to personal happiness and inner peace is through the extinguishing of all desire to have or to affect things beyond one's control, such as animal cloning.
From the Paper "Comte's theory is also laden with his political views that seem to support the social order and discourage revolution. This is accomplished through his discussion of slow and progressive societal change. Comte also attempted to convince the reader that social change is the result of natural social laws that cannot be changed, so instead of revolting he suggests that the lower classes should adopt a positive attitude toward them. Comte's aim was to create a naturalistic science of society, which would both explain the past development of mankind and predict its future course."
Abstract This paper discusses the history of the term positive knowledge (also positivism) in western social theory. While giving a brief history, it focuses mainly on the use and formulation by the philosopher Auguste Comte and sociologist Emile Durkheim.
From the Paper "When observing positive knowledge through the history of Western social science, a firm definition is essential for a consistent investigational trajectory. Positive knowledge has been used in myriad ways to explain manifold scientific theories and practices. With a general, quotidian definition any member of the scientific (even social scientific) community could claim adherence, in some degree and fashion, to this notion of positive knowledge. I intend for this investigation to resist such entanglement of interpretations and thus subscribe to a firm, and perhaps purist, definition when examining the Alpha and Omega of positive (positivistic) knowledge within the sociological community?Auguste Comte and Emile Durkheim."
Reviews the life and writings of Auguste Comte, focusing on the influence the French Revolution, which began the year of his birth, had on his life and thought.
1,575 words (approx. 6.3 pages), 2 sources, 1993, $ 55.95
Auguste Comte is considered one of the great intellectual figures of modern European history. He is responsible for introducing to European thought the concepts of positivism and the field of sociology. Comte, who was born in the pivotal year of the French Revolution and died in 1857, was very much a product of his times. In the aftermath of the French Revolution and the massive wars which swept Europe (consequently spreading many of the themes of that revolution), European intellectuals were preoccupied with the disposition and use of power in society. The challenge before intellectuals on both sides of the Atlantic, such as Comte, was how to harness what they considered the best themes of the French Revolution while arresting the more sinister consequences of that momentous ..."
This paper traces the history of the development of the study of Sociology and examines the works of its founders , including Marx, Durkheim and Weber.
1,450 words (approx. 5.8 pages), 6 sources, 2001, $ 48.95
Abstract This paper provides a complete overview of the development of the science of sociology. It focuses on three major players - Karl Marx, Emile Durkheim and Max Weber and their influence on the early stages of the science. It shows how they they helped form the basis for the three general perspectives in sociology: conflict theory, functionalism, and interactionism.
From the paper:
"It was Auguste Comte (1789-1857) who coined the term ?sociology.? He believed this new science should study the question of "how is society possible"? (Bartek/Mullin14) He based his own science on the idea that society is composed of individuals in the same way as a line is composed of points. The focus must be on observations of society and the collections of those individuals. Because of Comte's work, other sociologists began to study the changes in society."
Tags: conflict, theory, functionalism, interactionism, development, history
From the Paper "The roots of the development of sociology began in Europe. It is hardly an accident that sociology emerged as a separate field of study in Europe during the nineteenth century. That was a time of turmoil, a period in which the existing social order was being shaken by the growing Industrial Revolution and by violent uprisings against established rulers such as the American and French Revolutions. A need for a systemic analysis of society coupled with acceptance of scientific method resulted in the emergence of sociology. "
Abstract This paper answers the question of how knowledge is described as a social phenomena by Durkheim, Marx, Weber, and Boas. It looks into their research programs and theories.
From the Paper "Not only does Durkheim pose knowledge in new terms, but Weber, Boas, and Marx also situate their conceptions of knowledge within different theoretical and practical frameworks. Each claims descendancy or affiliation with particular theorists or schools of thought, yet all deny absolute confinement and strict categorization. As well, knowledge as a social phenomenon, both in the creation and use, takes various forms. In this essay I describe separately the Weberian, Durkheimian, Boasian, and Marxist theories, research methods and goals, historical/theoretical locations, and social circumstances in relation to their different ideas of knowledge."
Abstract This paper examines the idea of a society filled with leisure (or work) as has been explored by a number of prominent thinkers since the Enlightenment. The paper also examines social categories such as class, and these categories are shown to be intimately linked to ideas about leisure, technology, work and finally ? to ideas on what it means to be human. The paper looks at Adam Smith's book "The Theory of Moral Sentiments," in which work is part of evolutionary progress; Voltaire's "Candide," in which pursuing meaningful work is the means to salvation; Auguste Comte's theory of an ideal positivist society; Karl Marx's theories of class and production; Max Weber's Calvinistic theory of work; George Herbert Mead's symbolic interactionism; and Habermas' Western Marxism. The paper concludes that while humanity is ill-suited to leisure, technology has provided us with more leisure than ever before.
From the Paper "If the American and French revolutions laid down the political pattern of the modern world, the Industrial Revolution in Great Britain laid down the economic pattern and with this, ideas about what should be the relative importance of leisure and work ? and wealth ? in our lives. The changes that took place in Britain during the 19th century became almost a prototype of industrialization and of increasing leisure, wealth and surplus to a growing segment of society, although not, by all means, to all segments of society. To choose to industrialize (and to not so choose meant risking backwardness and dependence) was to imitate consciously the British Industrial Revolution and so also to buy into a certain set of economic precepts about the role of technology and the purpose of human labor. As with all areas of human endeavor, however, there were often substantial gaps between idealized versions of society and realistic ones. In the case of how people thought that technology and human labor might interact, there were also substantial differences in what people thought that they wanted and what they actually wanted, as we shall see."
From the Paper "General Observations
This essay is concerned with the influence of the positivist philosopher Auguste Comte (1798-1857) on the thought of the modern world. In particular, the influence of Comte's early version of social science on later thought will be examined and analyzed. Comte could be said to represent the logical conclusion of much that had been initially theorized upon during the French Enlightenment. Comte's three stages of development in human thinking: the theological, the metaphysical, the scientific or positive--have never at any period been completely accepted by serious thinkers. However, since Comte's death in 1857, they have certainly been influential on the thought of modern society.
However, Comte's real significance is derived from his..."
Abstract Discusses literary theories of Zola and the naturalists. Zola's vision of fiction as representing the world with unadorned realism. Their desire to achieve transparency. Influence of 19th century science and work of Darwin, Comte and Taine on the literary approach taken by the Naturalists. Stylistic and social reasons for the naturalist school.
From the Paper "Zola (1864) held that there were three windows of literary mimesis: the Classical (which enlarges), the Romantic (which distorts), and the Realist (which is transparent). As the leader of the naturalist school of writing Zola was committed to a vision of fiction as the representation the world in a manner that provided a window on reality, presenting it unadorned and plain as it really was. This is an analogy that is very telling since it refers not just to the supposed transparency of naturalist fiction that enables the viewer to 'see' that world, but to the pane of glass that is interposed between the world and the viewer and to the framework of the window that makes a selection from the wider world that defines exactly what part of the world the novelist wishes the reader to see. The act of framing is attributed to the novelist but the implications that ..."
Abstract This paper explains that, after Napoleon was commissioned as a second lieutenant and garrisoned at Valence in Burgundy, he developed the habit of voracious reading, which definitely affected all of his future endeavors; almost every subject was part of his reading, including law, political economy, geography, medicine, political science, the philosophies of Voltaire, and a great deal of history, especially ancient history with an emphasis on Alexander the Great. The author relates that, in October of 1795, as part of Comte de Barras's uprising in Paris against the Thermidorians, Napoleon so impressed Barras that Napoleon was named commander-in-chief of the Army of the Interior. The paper concludes that, having finished the Revolution, Bonaparte proclaimed himself emperor of France, an act that outraged most of Europe and infuriated Ludwig von Beethoven to the point that he tore up his 'Eroica symphony', which was written as a dedication to Napoleon.
From the Paper "By 1793, Napoleon, caught in the midst of the revolution, was in Paris when Louis XVI was dethroned. As a result, he joined the government troops who were attempting to capture Toulon, where anti-Revolutionary factions had turned over the great naval base to the British and Spanish fleets. And at Toulon, Bonaparte the artillery officer "accomplished that which he had been trained for in 1784, for he demonstrated himself as a formidable officer, a budding tactician and a born strategist" (Markham, 167). In this atmosphere, Bonaparte placed his batteries in position to bombard both the port and the British fleet, but above all, it was Napoleon's forcefulness and energy that impressed his superiors, which had played an all-important part in the recapture of Toulon. At the age of twenty-four, Napoleon was soon promoted to brigadier general which seemed to indicate that his future would be bright and magnificent."
