Introduction

Definition

*August Comte* and positivism
*Herbert Spencer* and positivism

Objective reality, single reality, observable reality and external reality. (Reality is OSOX- Observable_Single_Objective_External)
Emphasis on behaviour that can be directly observed → mean relative pattern behaviour. →Mean factors like feeling and meaning which cannot be directly observed are not important. → Mean Collective Consciousness can be observed but Individual Consciousness cannot be observed & Collective Consciousness has features of Social Facts
Understanding external reality which is equal to natural reality, exist single reality (unlike infinite reality)→ means internal aspects like meanings and motives are not part of study. Durkhiem call them social facts, these are seen objectively in a similar manner by everyone (inter subjective reliability)
Value neutral observation, to follow pure scientific method, Spirit of Science + Comparative method + Indirect experimental + Multiverant Analysis +
Use scientific method similar to natural science, quantify things, use of quantitative methods, deductive approach. Durkhiem used statistical techniques, similar to natural science, in his famous study of Suicide.
Empiricism promoted →( rejected common sensical speculation)
Generalized knowledge
Cause and effect relationship; correlation
Theory building universal generalization(universality of laws and principles)
Deterministic and predictive statement. Comte believe that he has discovered a law of social organisation which can predict the future course of evolution of society and he also mentioned various stages in this process.
Sociological knowledge should be tested→ That means true is one which can be tested.
Peered Review building of Knowledge