Isidore Marie Auguste François Xavier Comte 19 January 1798 - 5 September 1857 (aged 59)

Comte's 6 Volumes of his "Course" are published

Period: 1830 to 1842

This collection of writings is considered to be the founding text of positivism. The goal of the writings was to unify all of the sciences under his positive philosophy. This emphasis on empirical data and scientific exploration led to several ideas: one being the Law of Three Stages. This law states that the evolution of human thought is ultimately destined to accept positive, empirical data as the truth that will drive growth in society forward (Martineau Trans., 2010).

Comte's founding of the Religion of Humanity

1849

Comte's Religion of Humanity preaches a secular, humanist message rooted in reason, empirical science, and altruism. The metaphysical nature of God is present only as a steppingstone towards a new social order, built upon Positivism and Altruistic habits (Wernick, 2014). Auguste Comte: Positivism and the Three Stages

Comte's 4-volume System of Positive Polity is published

Period: 1851 to 1854

Comte wrote about how connection between church and state must not exist, and that a new social order must be established that is rooted in science and reason. Leaders in society would be replaced by technocratic experts. A new moral code based in altruism and supported by reason, according to Comte, would set society up to reach the final evolution of human thought (S.P., 2022)

Comte's Appeal to Conservatives

1855

Comte wrote this with the intention of convincing conservatives that his philosophy of positivism was the best option for preserving conservative ideas and traditions. Although Comte reassures conservatives that the rapid changes in French society is dangerous, the importance of a secular, altruistic society based set upon a moral code rooted in science and reason is not lost (Donkin & Congreve Trans., 2003).