Single Idea 12114

[catalogued under 1. Philosophy / G. Scientific Philosophy / 3. Scientism]

Full Idea

Getting lost in a mass of detail is the weak side of positivism, where partisans of theology and metaphysics may attack with some hope of success. ...We must train scientists who will consider all the different branches of positive science.

Gist of Idea

Science can drown in detail, so we need broad scientists (to keep out the metaphysicians)

Source

Auguste Comte (Intro to Positive Philosophy [1830], Ch.1)

Book Reference

Comte,Auguste: 'Introduction to Positive Philosophy', ed/tr. Ferré,Frederick [Hackett 1988], p.17


A Reaction

This would be Comte's answer now to those who claim there is still a role for metaphysics within the scientific world view. I would say that metaphysics not only takes an overview, but also deals with higher generalisations than Comte's general scientist.