System of Positive Polity

Auguste Comte (1798-1857) was convinced that positive knowledge was possible as a result of the advancement of the various sciences, and he sought a complete reorganization of society by means of intellectual reform. The "Systeme de politique positive" (1851-4), of which this is the translation, treats of social statics, that is the conditions of existence common to all human societies, ranging from the family to religious organizations. In Comte's view, society had broken down with the French Revolution, and his aim was to replace outdated theological knowledge with a new religion that could unify society; a positive religion that is concerned with humanity and its happiness rather than belief in God and his worship.