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Birth
Auguste Comte was born January 19, 1798, in Montpellier, France. -
The Course in Positivism Philosophy
Auguste was "the originator of positivism, an approach to the philosophy and history of science and to the theory of societal development that identified genuine knowledge as the product of empirical observation and experiment and social-intellectual progress as the transition from religion to metaphysics to science" (Britannica). Auguste first introduced this epistemological perspective in his 6-part publication of The Course in Positive Philosophy, published between 1830-1842 (Crossman). -
A Discourse on the Positive Spirit
In 1844, The Discourse on the Positive Spirit, which served Comet as the preface to the Philosophical Treatise on Popular Astronomy, had already emphasized the social purpose of positivism and its aptitude to replace theology in politics and morality. (Bourdeau) -
A General View of Positivism
Comte published A General View of Positivism in1848. This book revised his earlier work, The Course in Positive Philosophy. Comte outlines his social philosophy of positivism and the problems of implementing this doctrine. He also argues and coined the term 'sociology' as a science. "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" (Comet). His English edition was published in 1865. -
Religion of Humanity
Comet felt conventional religion was a way of social control in behavior. He wanted to establish peace and harmony within modern society and religion, so he created his own model, Religion of Humanity. Few of his religion views included no concept of 'God', sociological priest as the moral guide, tenets of religion. Some main functions included cohesive forces to organize people into society, control offensive behavior, society survival and maintain peace and order to name a few. (Auguste) -
Death
Auguste Comte passed away due to stomach cancer in Paris 1857. He died at the age of 59.