Positivism is defined by Auguste Comte as a comprehensive System of Thought and Life designed to reorganise society by subordinating intellectual faculties and practical actions to social sympathies. Developed in the wake of the French Revolution, Comte's doctrine asserts that social regeneration requires a complete remodeling of opinion and life before political institutions can be effectively reconstructed. The system rests upon the Law of the Three Stages; the transition of human thought from the Theological to the Metaphysical, and finally to the Positive stage. It seeks to establish a Religion of Humanity under the motto Love, Order, and Progress. Central to this vision is the systematic separation of spiritual power (the realm of education, morality, and philosophy) from temporal power (the realm of government and industry). Positivism identifies Women and the Working Classes as its primary supporters, as these groups are seen to embody the affective and practical elements necessary to temper the intellectual and political spheres.

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I. The Intellectual Character of Positivism

The new philosophy is grounded in the discovery of sociological laws, completing a scientific hierarchy that allows for a systematic view of human life.

The Subordination of Intellect to the Heart

• The Subjective Principle: Positivism posits that the Heart (affection) must preponderate over the Intellect. The proper function of the intellect is to serve the social sympathies.
• Servant, Not Slave: Unlike the theological stage, where the intellect was the "slave" of the heart, under Positivism, the intellect is the "servant." It suggests problems and finds solutions, but the direction is provided by the desire to do good.
• Unity of Nature: Harmony is only possible when "Affection" acts as the central point of the synthesis, guiding both "Thought" and "Action."

The Objective Basis: The External Order

Positivism is not merely subjective; it relies on an objective basis found in the "Order of Nature."

• Natural Laws: All phenomena, including social ones, are subject to invariable natural laws.
• Predictability and Modification: By understanding these laws, humanity gains the power of "prevision" (prediction). While some laws (like astronomy) are unchangeable, others (social and biological) are modifiable through human intervention.
• Moral Value of Submission: Recognizing an external order checks human pride and selfish instincts, encouraging resignation to the insurmountable and effort toward the improvable.

The Hierarchy of Sciences

The Positive synthesis is built upon a ladder of the understanding, arranged by decreasing generality and increasing complexity:

1. Mathematics
2. Astronomy
3. Physics
4. Chemistry
5. Biology
6. Sociology (The final, supreme science focused on Humanity).

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II. The Social and Political Framework

Positivism views the French Revolution as a critical but incomplete crisis. The first phase (negative) destroyed the old system; the second phase (positive) must now construct a new one.

The Western Republic

The implementation of Positivism is centered on a "Political Whole" consisting of the five advanced nations that have constituted a unity since the time of Charlemagne:

• France (The center)
• Italy
• Spain
• Great Britain
• Germany

Separation of Powers

A cornerstone of Positivist polity is the rigorous separation of Spiritual Power and Temporal Power:

• Spiritual Power: Composed of thinkers and philosophers whose business is to study, teach principles, and organize public opinion. They hold no political office and rule through persuasion, not compulsion.
• Temporal Power: Composed of capitalists and practical leaders (the "captains of industry") who manage material resources and maintain public order.

The Motto: Order and Progress

• Order: The condition of all progress; based on the stability of natural laws.
• Progress: The development of order; the continuous evolution of humanity toward perfection.

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III. Action Upon Social Classes

Positivism seeks adherents outside the traditional governing classes, who are often entangled in metaphysical theories or personal ambition.

The Working Classes (The Proletariate)

The working man is seen as naturally inclined toward Positivism due to:

• Practicality: A preference for real facts over abstract "entities."
• Social Instincts: A strong sense of solidarity and fraternity generated by their social position.
• Absence of Political Ambition: The workman is encouraged to view himself as a "public functionary" rather than seeking wealth or power.
• Political Role: The people provide the "Moral Force" to assist the spiritual power in modifying the action of the government.

The Influence Upon Women

Women represent the "affective element" of human nature. Positivism aims to:

• Raise Social Status: Regard women as the moral center of the family.
• The Domestic Sphere: Define the family as the primary sphere of action where character is developed.
• Worship of Woman: View the "Worship of Woman" as a necessary preparation for the "Worship of Humanity."
• Rights vs. Duties: Replace the "sophisms" of woman's rights with a focus on her mission as a wife and mother, maintained by man to ensure the "domesticity of her life."

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IV. The Ethics and Religion of Humanity

Positivism proposes to replace organized theology with a systematic "cultus" of Humanity.

The Ethical System

The "Great Ethical Problem" is the subjection of Self-love to Social-love.

• Domestic Affections: Filial, fraternal, conjugal, and paternal loves serve as intermediate stages between egoism and universal benevolence.
• Personal Virtues: Placed on a social basis (e.g., temperance and cleanliness are practiced to make the individual more fit to serve others).

The Worship of Humanity

• Humanity as the Supreme Being: The center to which every aspect of Positivism converges.
• Commemoration: A system for honoring great men (e.g., Caesar, St. Paul, Charlemagne) and condemning those who obstructed progress (e.g., Bonaparte).
• Festivals: Organized events representing the "statical" (Order) and "dynamical" (Progress) aspects of Humanity.
• The Positivist Library: A selection of "books of enduring scholarly value" to guide the new education.

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V. Transition and Implementation

Recognizing that society is not yet "ripe" for the normal state, Positivism suggests a provisional policy for the transition period.

Policy Element

Description

Governmental Form

A "Popular Dictatorship" with absolute liberty of speech and discussion.

Liberty and Order

"Liberty" is extended to education (ending State monopolies), while "Order" demands centralisation.

International Measures

Establish a Positive Committee for Western Europe, an Occidental navy, international coinage, and a flag for the Western Republic.

Education

Two stages: (1) Physical/Esthetic training at home; (2) Public lectures on Sciences (Mathematics to Sociology).

Conclusion: The Ultimate Goal

The final aim of Positivism is the "Perfection of the Positivist Ideal": a society organized "irrespectively of God or king" through the systematic worship of Humanity. In this state, "Man's only right is to do his duty," and the "Intellect should always be the servant of the Heart."