The document discusses the origins of social sciences in the 19th century. It emerged from western philosophy and was most intentionally developed with the positivist philosophy of science. While early forms of sociology existed centuries ago, the scientific analysis of society is unique to the intellectual developments of the Enlightenment period. Key influences included the moral philosophy of the time as well as the French Revolution. The foundations of social science in the 18th century are reflected in Diderot's encyclopedia which included articles by thinkers like Rousseau.