SOAN 2112 Chapter : Zeitlin13,14,15,16.docx
Document Summary
Comte"s positive philosophy was a conscious attempt to discredit and repudiate what he had termed negative philosophy. The negative-critical philosophy that emerged and took shape with the enlightenment had prove itself a formidable weapon in the hands of the rising bourgeoisie in its struggle against the older classes of theological-feudal order. With the establishment of the bourgeois order, comte believed negative philosophy, the legacy of the enlightenment, had outlived its usefulness. Negative philosophy led only to divisiveness, conflict and disorder. It stirred the imagination and hopes of the proletariat and encouraged class conflict. Each stage in the evolution of the new organic society was viewed by him as a necessary one; therefore, the working class must adjust to the present stage. Chief function of new positive science--to achieve an organic and conflict-free social order. With comte, there is a complete renunciation of the legacy of the enlightenment, marx restores and skilfully employs the very philosophical premises comte so intensely detested.