Positivism was a philosophy developed by Auguste Comte that argued human thought had developed through three stages: first explaining everything through theology, then through abstract metaphysics, and finally reaching the most advanced positive or scientific stage where everything can be explained through empirical observation and scientific analysis. Comte is considered the father of sociology as he advocated using observable facts to scientifically study and develop laws of social progress.

1. Positivism Auguste Comte (1798 – 1857)

2. Positivism – philosophy of human intellectual development that climaxed in science. Comte argued that human thought had developed in three stages: Theological – everything explained in terms of divine spirits Metaphysical – everything is guided by abstract principles. Positive/Scientific – everything should be explained through scientific analysis Father of Sociology – use observable facts to develop scientific laws of social progress.