Cours De Philosophie Positive. (1/6)

A scientific publication written in the early 19th century.'' The work lays the foundation for what is known as positivist philosophy, which emphasizes the importance of observable facts and scientific reasoning over theological and metaphysical explanations. Comte aims to establish a coherent framework for understanding human knowledge and society by categorizing sciences based on their methods and interrelations, ultimately advocating for a 'physique sociale' or social physics. The opening portion of the text introduces readers to the concept and objectives of Comte's philosophical course. It begins with a historical context, detailing the evolution of human thought through three stages: theological, metaphysical, and finally, the positive stage where scientific reasoning prevails. He asserts that each branch of knowledge must be regarded through the lens of their observational laws rather than through speculative metaphysical notions. Comte elaborates on the significance of classifying sciences, and emphasizes the need for a systematic understanding that encompasses not only the natural sciences but also the social phenomena that govern human interactions. This foundational discussion sets the stage for a deeper exploration of the relationship between various fields of knowledge and the overarching goal of establishing a unified philosophical framework.