Positiveists

Positivists are adherents to positivism, a philosophical theory stating that certain \(a\) priori \(b\) knowledge is impossible, and that all knowledge derives from sensory experience. This philosophical stance emphasizes empirical evidence and scientific methodology as the basis for understanding the world. Positivism emerged in the 19th century, most notably with the work of Auguste Comte, who is often credited as the founder. Comte believed that human societies evolve through distinct stages, culminating in a positivist stage where scientific laws govern social and natural phenomena.

Key tenets of positivism include the rejection of metaphysical speculation and the focus on observable facts. Positivists advocate for a scientific approach to all fields of inquiry, including the social sciences, arguing that they should adopt the methods of the natural sciences. This involves observation, experimentation, and the formulation of general laws. The goal is to achieve objective knowledge that can be used to predict and control phenomena, leading to social progress and reform. While influential, positivism has also faced criticism for its perceived limitations in accounting for subjective experience, values, and historical context.