Who coined the term "sociology" and promoted positivism?

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Prepare for the UCF SYG2000 Introduction to Sociology Exam. Use flashcards and multiple choice questions with detailed explanations to enhance your understanding and increase your chances of success!

The term "sociology" was coined by Auguste Comte, who is also known for promoting the philosophy of positivism. Comte believed that the social world could be studied scientifically, just as the natural sciences study the physical world. He emphasized that human behavior and societal structures could be analyzed through empirical observation and logical reasoning. This approach aimed to establish sociology as a discipline grounded in real-world evidence rather than speculation. Comte's ideas laid the foundation for sociology, prioritizing scientific methods in understanding social phenomena, and he saw sociology as the final and most complex of the sciences, overseeing the study of society and social relationships. This contribution is essential in understanding the evolution of sociology as a distinct field of study.