Question

What is positivism? Discuss guidden's criptique of positivism.

Answer 1

I shall distinguish two main ways in which “positivism” may be taken, one quite specific, the other much more general. In the more restrictive sense, the term may be taken to apply to the writings of those who have actively called themselves positivists or at least have been prepared to accept the appellation. This yields two major phases in the development of positivism, one centered mainly in social theory, the other concerned more specifically with epistemol- ogy. The earlier phase is that dominated by the works of the author who coined the term “positive philosophy,” Auguste Comte. Although there are obvious contrasts between Comte s positivism and the “logical positivism” of the Vienna Circle, there are equally clear connections— both historical and intellectual — between ihe two. However, the term may also be employed more broadly and diffusely to refer to the writings of philosophers who have adopted most or all of a series of connected perspectives: phenomenalism — the thesis, which can be expressed in various w'ays, that “reality” consists of sense impressions; an aversion to metaphysics, the latter being condemned as sophistry or illusion; the representation of philosophy as a method of analysis, clearly separable from, yet at the same time parasitic upon, the findings of science; the duality of fact and value — the thesis that empirical knowledge is logically discrepant from the pursuit of moral aims or the implementation of ethical standards; and the notion of the “unity of science” — the idea that the natural and social sciences share a common logical and perhaps even methodological foundation.

Answer 2

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I shall distinguish two main ways in which “positivism” may be taken, one quite specific, the other much more general. In the more restrictive sense, the term may be taken to apply to the writings of those who have actively called themselves positivists or at least have been prepared to accept the appellation. This yields two major phases in the development of positivism, one centered mainly in social theory, the other concerned more specifically with epistemol- ogy. The earlier phase is that dominated by the works of the author who coined the term “positive philosophy,” Auguste Comte. Although there are obvious contrasts between Comte s positivism and the “logical positivism” of the Vienna Circle, there are equally clear connections— both historical and intellectual — between ihe two. However, the term may also be employed more broadly and diffusely to refer to the writings of philosophers who have adopted most or all of a series of connected perspectives: phenomenalism — the thesis, which can be expressed in various w'ays, that “reality” consists of sense impressions; an aversion to metaphysics, the latter being condemned as sophistry or illusion; the representation of philosophy as a method of analysis, clearly separable from, yet at the same time parasitic upon, the findings of science; the duality of fact and value — the thesis that empirical knowledge is logically discrepant from the pursuit of moral aims or the implementation of ethical standards; and the notion of the “unity of science” — the idea that the natural and social sciences share a common logical and perhaps even methodological foundation.