18 Questions
What is the significance of positivism in sociology according to Jonathan Turner?
The social universe can be described by abstract laws that are testable through data collection.
Who shared Comte's interest in discovering the laws of social life?
Spencer and Durkheim
What has happened to positivism in contemporary sociology?
It has come under attack from various quarters.
What did Comte lack in establishing a school of sociological theory?
A solid academic base
Who succeeded Comte in French sociology and inherited some of his ideas?
Emile Durkheim
How was Durkheim's relation to the Enlightenment different from Comte's?
More ambiguous
Who sought to model sociology after the 'hard sciences'?
Comte
What two aspects was the new science Comte envisioned concerned with?
Social statics and social dynamics
According to Comte, which was considered more important: social statics or social dynamics?
Social dynamics
Why did Comte feel that reforms were needed?
To assist the natural evolution of society
Who challenged the idea that Comte is the progenitor of modern, scientific sociology?
Eriksson
According to Eriksson, who is the true source of modern sociology?
Adam Smith
What characterized the positivistic stage in the context of sociology?
Belief in science
According to Comte, what was the cause of social disorder?
Intellectual disorder
How did Comte view the relationship between sociology and positivism?
Sociology could expedite the arrival of positivism and bring order to the social world.
What change did Comte believe was needed for social order?
Intellectual change
Why did Comte not want to seem to be espousing revolution?
There was already enough disorder in the world and intellectual change was needed.
How did Comte view the evolution towards positivism and social order?
As a gradual process that did not require fomenting social upheaval and revolution.
Test your knowledge on the evolution of sociological theory from personalized gods to belief in science. Explore the transition from seeking absolute causes to focusing on observation and laws governing the social and physical world.
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