Sociological Thought of Auguste Comte 🔹 Short Notes on A. Comte 1. Auguste Comte (1798–1857): Known as the Father of Sociology. Coined the term Sociology. Aimed to make Sociology a science of society. 2. Law of Three Stages: Theological Stage – Society explained phenomena through religion & supernatural forces. Metaphysical Stage – Abstract reasoning, natural rights, philosophy. Positive (Scientific) Stage – Knowledge based on observation, experiment, and scientific reasoning. 3. Positivism: Belief that only scientific knowledge is true knowledge. Sociology should follow methods of natural sciences. 4. Social Statics & Dynamics: Social Statics – Study of social order, institutions, harmony. Social Dynamics – Study of social change, progress, evolution. 5. Hierarchy of Sciences: Comte arranged sciences from simple to complex: Mathematics → Astronomy → Physics → Chemistry → Biology → Sociology (highest, as it studies human beings). 🎯 100 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) on A. Comte Section A: Basics of Comte Who is considered the father of Sociology? a) Karl Marx b) Max Weber c) Auguste Comte d) Herbert Spencer Answer: c) Auguste Comte Auguste Comte coined the term ‘Sociology’ in which year? a) 1789 b) 1839 c) 1857 d) 1817 Answer: b) 1839 Comte’s philosophy is known as: a) Humanism b) Idealism c) Positivism d) Realism Answer: c) Positivism The Law of Three Stages was proposed by: a) Emile Durkheim b) Auguste Comte c) Max Weber d) Talcott Parsons Answer: b) Auguste Comte Theological, Metaphysical, and Positive stages form part of: a) Conflict Theory b) Structural Functionalism c) Law of Three Stages d) Dialectical Materialism Answer: c) Law of Three Stages

 
Sociological Thought of Auguste Comte

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🔹 Short Notes on A. Comte
1. Auguste Comte (1798–1857):
Known as the Father of Sociology.
Coined the term Sociology.
Aimed to make Sociology a science of society.
2. Law of Three Stages:
Theological Stage – Society explained phenomena through religion & supernatural forces.
Metaphysical Stage – Abstract reasoning, natural rights, philosophy.
Positive (Scientific) Stage – Knowledge based on observation, experiment, and scientific reasoning.
3. Positivism:
Belief that only scientific knowledge is true knowledge.
Sociology should follow methods of natural sciences.
4. Social Statics & Dynamics:
Social Statics – Study of social order, institutions, harmony.
Social Dynamics – Study of social change, progress, evolution.
5. Hierarchy of Sciences:
Comte arranged sciences from simple to complex:
Mathematics → Astronomy → Physics → Chemistry → Biology → Sociology (highest, as it studies human beings).

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🎯 100 MCQs on Auguste Comte (with Answers)
Section A: Basics of Comte
Who is considered the father of Sociology?
a) Karl Marx
b) Max Weber
c) Auguste Comte
d) Herbert Spencer
Ans: c) Auguste Comte
The term ‘Sociology’ was coined in:
a) 1789
b) 1839
c) 1857
d) 1817
Ans: b) 1839
Comte’s philosophy is called:
a) Realism
b) Positivism
c) Idealism
d) Pragmatism
Ans: b) Positivism
Which one is NOT a stage in Comte’s Law of Three Stages?
a) Theological
b) Metaphysical
c) Positive
d) Materialistic
Ans: d) Materialistic
Which stage of Comte’s theory uses science and experiments?
a) Theological
b) Metaphysical
c) Positive
d) Static
Ans: c) Positive

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Section B: Law of Three Stages
In the Theological stage, social phenomena were explained by:
a) Science
b) Philosophy
c) Supernatural powers
d) Observation
Ans: c) Supernatural powers
The Metaphysical stage represents:
a) Abstract reasoning
b) Direct observation
c) Religious authority
d) Industrial growth
Ans: a) Abstract reasoning
“Human mind passes through three stages of development” – Who said this?
a) Max Weber
b) Herbert Spencer
c) Auguste Comte
d) Vilfredo Pareto
Ans: c) Auguste Comte
Which revolution influenced Comte’s thought?
a) French Revolution
b) Russian Revolution
c) American Revolution
d) Industrial Revolution
Ans: a) French Revolution
The positive stage emphasizes:
a) Myths
b) Faith
c) Science
d) Rituals
Ans: c) Science

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Section C: Positivism
Positivism is based on:
a) Theology
b) Speculation
c) Scientific method
d) Superstition
Ans: c) Scientific method
According to Comte, valid knowledge comes from:
a) Intuition
b) Experiment and observation
c) Tradition
d) Revelation
Ans: b) Experiment and observation
Which science is considered the foundation for all sciences by Comte?
a) Sociology
b) Mathematics
c) Biology
d) Physics
Ans: b) Mathematics
Who regarded Sociology as the “Queen of Sciences”?
a) Karl Marx
b) Auguste Comte
c) Max Weber
d) Talcott Parsons
Ans: b) Auguste Comte
Which method did Comte recommend for Sociology?
a) Comparative Method
b) Dialectical Method
c) Experimental Method
d) Scientific/Positivist Method
Ans: d) Scientific/Positivist Method

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Section D: Social Statics and Dynamics
Social Statics deals with:
a) Progress
b) Harmony and stability
c) Conflict
d) Change
Ans: b) Harmony and stability
Social Dynamics deals with:
a) Social order
b) Change and progress
c) Stability
d) Social cohesion
Ans: b) Change and progress
Example of Social Statics is:
a) Family system
b) Social mobility
c) Industrialization
d) Technological change
Ans: a) Family system
Example of Social Dynamics is:
a) Political institutions
b) Urbanization
c) Religious rituals
d) Kinship system
Ans: b) Urbanization
The idea of Social Statics and Dynamics was introduced by:
a) Karl Marx
b) Emile Durkheim
c) Auguste Comte
d) Herbert Spencer
Ans: c) Auguste Comte

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Section E: Hierarchy of Sciences
Which is the first science in Comte’s hierarchy?
a) Biology
b) Mathematics
c) Chemistry
d) Sociology
Ans: b) Mathematics
According to Comte, which is the highest science?
a) Physics
b) Chemistry
c) Sociology
d) Biology
Ans: c) Sociology
The order of sciences according to Comte is:
a) Physics → Chemistry → Biology → Mathematics → Sociology
b) Mathematics → Astronomy → Physics → Chemistry → Biology → Sociology
c) Biology → Physics → Chemistry → Mathematics → Sociology
d) Mathematics → Physics → Chemistry → Biology → Sociology → Astronomy
Ans: b)
“Sociology is dependent on other sciences” – This reflects:
a) Hierarchy of Sciences
b) Social Statics
c) Law of Stages
d) Dialectical materialism
Ans: a) Hierarchy of Sciences
Sociology is called “Queen of Sciences” because:
a) It is the oldest science
b) It studies society which is most complex
c) It studies mathematics
d) It studies physics
Ans: b) It studies society which is most complex
🎯 MCQs on Auguste Comte (Part 2)
Section F: Comte’s Life & Influence
Auguste Comte was born in:
a) Paris
b) Montpellier
c) Lyon
d) London
Ans: b) Montpellier
Auguste Comte’s lifespan was:
a) 1798–1857
b) 1801–1873
c) 1776–1832
d) 1820–1890
Ans: a) 1798–1857
Auguste Comte was secretary to which philosopher?
a) Montesquieu
b) Saint-Simon
c) Rousseau
d) John Locke
Ans: b) Saint-Simon
Which revolution shaped Comte’s thought the most?
a) French Revolution
b) American Revolution
c) Russian Revolution
d) Chinese Revolution
Ans: a) French Revolution
Comte’s positivism emphasized:
a) Religion over science
b) Science over religion
c) Morality over knowledge
d) Myths over facts
Ans: b) Science over religion

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Section G: Theological Stage
The Theological stage is also known as:
a) Abstract stage
b) Religious stage
c) Rational stage
d) Industrial stage
Ans: b) Religious stage
Which of the following is NOT part of the Theological stage?
a) Fetishism
b) Polytheism
c) Monotheism
d) Rationalism
Ans: d) Rationalism
In the Fetishism stage, humans believed in:
a) One God
b) Spirits in objects
c) Scientific laws
d) Abstract rights
Ans: b) Spirits in objects
Polytheism means belief in:
a) One God
b) Many Gods
c) No God
d) Nature only
Ans: b) Many Gods
Monotheism means belief in:
a) Many Gods
b) Abstract ideas
c) One God
d) Spirits in nature
Ans: c) One God

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Section H: Metaphysical Stage
The Metaphysical stage is also called:
a) Transitional stage
b) Religious stage
c) Scientific stage
d) Rational stage
Ans: a) Transitional stage
In this stage, people explained events through:
a) Abstract principles
b) Observation
c) Gods
d) Experiments
Ans: a) Abstract principles
“Nature” and “Natural rights” were emphasized in:
a) Theological stage
b) Metaphysical stage
c) Positive stage
d) Static stage
Ans: b) Metaphysical stage
The Metaphysical stage represents:
a) Decline of theology
b) Decline of science
c) Rise of myths
d) Rise of magic
Ans: a) Decline of theology
Metaphysical reasoning is based on:
a) Philosophy
b) Religion
c) Science
d) Superstition
Ans: a) Philosophy

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Section I: Positive Stage
Positive stage emphasizes:
a) Science and facts
b) Theology
c) Myths
d) Rituals
Ans: a) Science and facts
Which stage represents maturity of human mind?
a) Theological
b) Metaphysical
c) Positive
d) Static
Ans: c) Positive
In the Positive stage, knowledge is derived from:
a) Faith
b) Observation and experiment
c) Abstract rights
d) Traditions
Ans: b) Observation and experiment
Sociology was placed in which stage by Comte?
a) Theological
b) Metaphysical
c) Positive
d) Static
Ans: c) Positive
Which stage does modern industrial society belong to?
a) Theological
b) Metaphysical
c) Positive
d) None
Ans: c) Positive

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Section J: Comte’s Contributions
Comte divided sociology into:
a) Micro and Macro
b) Theoretical and Applied
c) Social Statics and Social Dynamics
d) Pure and Practical
Ans: c) Social Statics and Social Dynamics
Who called Comte the founder of sociology?
a) Herbert Spencer
b) Emile Durkheim
c) Max Weber
d) Karl Marx
Ans: b) Emile Durkheim
Which of the following was NOT emphasized by Comte?
a) Positivism
b) Social evolution
c) Conflict theory
d) Hierarchy of sciences
Ans: c) Conflict theory
According to Comte, society evolves in:
a) Two stages
b) Three stages
c) Four stages
d) Five stages
Ans: b) Three stages
Comte believed sociology should be studied like:
a) History
b) Religion
c) Natural sciences
d) Literature
Ans: c) Natural sciences
🎯 MCQs on Auguste Comte (Part 3)
Section K: Social Statics
Social Statics studies:
a) Change and revolution
b) Order and stability
c) Conflict between groups
d) Industrial growth
Ans: b) Order and stability
Family, religion, and state are examples of:
a) Social Dynamics
b) Social Statics
c) Conflict theory
d) Metaphysical stage
Ans: b) Social Statics
Social Statics is concerned with:
a) Evolution of society
b) Structure and harmony of institutions
c) Industrial progress
d) Class conflict
Ans: b) Structure and harmony of institutions
Comte considered which institution as the foundation of Social Statics?
a) State
b) Family
c) Religion
d) Education
Ans: b) Family
Social Statics ensures:
a) Stability and order
b) Conflict and struggle
c) Social movements
d) Scientific discoveries
Ans: a) Stability and order

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Section L: Social Dynamics
Social Dynamics studies:
a) Order
b) Progress and change
c) Religious beliefs
d) Static institutions
Ans: b) Progress and change
Industrialization is an example of:
a) Statics
b) Dynamics
c) Positivism
d) Theology
Ans: b) Dynamics
Urbanization belongs to:
a) Social Statics
b) Social Dynamics
c) Social order
d) Social harmony
Ans: b) Social Dynamics
The concept of progress is central to:
a) Social Statics
b) Social Dynamics
c) Theology
d) Metaphysics
Ans: b) Social Dynamics
Social Dynamics shows:
a) Permanence of institutions
b) Evolution and transformation of society
c) Scientific neutrality
d) Religious dominance
Ans: b) Evolution and transformation of society

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Section M: Hierarchy of Sciences
Which science forms the base of Comte’s hierarchy?
a) Biology
b) Physics
c) Mathematics
d) Chemistry
Ans: c) Mathematics
Which science directly precedes Sociology in Comte’s hierarchy?
a) Physics
b) Chemistry
c) Biology
d) Astronomy
Ans: c) Biology
Sociology was called the:
a) First science
b) Last and highest science
c) Middle science
d) Natural science
Ans: b) Last and highest science
Which of the following sciences is NOT in Comte’s hierarchy?
a) Mathematics
b) Astronomy
c) Psychology
d) Biology
Ans: c) Psychology
Comte considered sciences as:
a) Independent and separate
b) Interdependent and progressive
c) Conflicting
d) Static
Ans: b) Interdependent and progressive

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Section N: Positivism in Sociology
Positivism rejects:
a) Speculation and metaphysics
b) Observation
c) Science
d) Experiment
Ans: a) Speculation and metaphysics
According to Comte, sociology should adopt:
a) Religious methods
b) Scientific methods
c) Intuitive methods
d) Artistic methods
Ans: b) Scientific methods
Which science influenced Comte’s idea of positivism?
a) Physics
b) Biology
c) Mathematics
d) All of these
Ans: d) All of these
Comte’s positivism emphasizes:
a) Social facts
b) Natural rights
c) Religious rituals
d) Historical myths
Ans: a) Social facts
“Science of society should be value-free” reflects:
a) Theology
b) Positivism
c) Conflict theory
d) Functionalism
Ans: b) Positivism

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Section O: Comte’s Legacy
Which thinker was influenced by Comte’s positivism?
a) Emile Durkheim
b) Karl Marx
c) Max Weber
d) All of the above
Ans: a) Emile Durkheim
Who criticized Comte’s positivism for ignoring individual freedom?
a) Karl Marx
b) John Stuart Mill
c) Herbert Spencer
d) Max Weber
Ans: b) John Stuart Mill
Which of the following is TRUE about Comte?
a) He supported scientific study of society
b) He opposed the idea of progress
c) He emphasized only economics
d) He denied social harmony
Ans: a) He supported scientific study of society
Comte’s work laid the foundation for:
a) Economics
b) Psychology
c) Sociology
d) Political Science
Ans: c) Sociology
Which statement best reflects Comte’s belief?
a) Knowledge progresses from religion to science
b) Religion is the ultimate knowledge
c) Science depends on myths
d) Society never changes
Ans: a) Knowledge progresses from religion to science
Section P: Religion of Humanity & Morality
Auguste Comte proposed a new religion called:
a) Religion of Science
b) Religion of Humanity
c) Religion of Nature
d) Religion of Philosophy
Ans: b) Religion of Humanity
The Religion of Humanity emphasized:
a) Worship of gods
b) Worship of humanity and altruism
c) Worship of nature
d) Worship of science only
Ans: b) Worship of humanity and altruism
According to Comte, morality should be based on:
a) Science
b) Intuition
c) Myths
d) Religion only
Ans: a) Science
Comte’s motto for society was:
a) Liberty, Equality, Fraternity
b) Love, Order, Progress
c) Work, Worship, Wealth
d) Truth, Faith, Morality
Ans: b) Love, Order, Progress
In his later years, Comte emphasized:
a) Pure science only
b) Moral and spiritual aspects of society
c) Revolution and conflict
d) Political economy
Ans: b) Moral and spiritual aspects of society

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Section Q: Influence & Criticism
Which sociologist built on Comte’s positivism?
a) Emile Durkheim
b) Karl Marx
c) Max Weber
d) Vilfredo Pareto
Ans: a) Emile Durkheim
Which criticism is often made of Comte’s theory?
a) Too abstract
b) Ignored conflict and power
c) Overemphasized science
d) All of the above
Ans: d) All of the above
Comte’s Law of Three Stages is often criticized as:
a) Cyclical
b) Linear and deterministic
c) Conflict-driven
d) Unscientific
Ans: b) Linear and deterministic
Marx criticized Comte for ignoring:
a) Class conflict
b) Positivism
c) Social order
d) Scientific laws
Ans: a) Class conflict
Weber criticized positivism for neglecting:
a) Social action and meaning
b) Scientific reasoning
c) Religion
d) Economics
Ans: a) Social action and meaning

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Section R: Comte’s Works
Comte’s major work is:
a) Spirit of Laws
b) Positive Philosophy
c) Social Contract
d) Capital
Ans: b) Positive Philosophy
The “Course of Positive Philosophy” was published in:
a) 1822
b) 1830–1842
c) 1857
d) 1801
Ans: b) 1830–1842
Comte’s “System of Positive Polity” was published in:
a) 1822
b) 1848–1854
c) 1860
d) 1800
Ans: b) 1848–1854
In which book did Comte coin the term ‘Sociology’?
a) Course of Positive Philosophy
b) System of Positive Polity
c) Politics as a Science
d) Religion of Humanity
Ans: a) Course of Positive Philosophy
Comte originally used which term before “Sociology”?
a) Social Statics
b) Social Physics
c) Social Science
d) Social Dynamics
Ans: b) Social Physics

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Section S: Legacy of Comte
Comte is remembered as the founder of:
a) Psychology
b) Sociology
c) Anthropology
d) Political Science
Ans: b) Sociology
Who said, “Sociology is the queen of sciences”?
a) Karl Marx
b) Max Weber
c) Auguste Comte
d) Herbert Spencer
Ans: c) Auguste Comte
Which principle of Comte influenced modern sociology?
a) Scientific study of society
b) Religious interpretation of society
c) Mythological explanation
d) Metaphysical reasoning
Ans: a) Scientific study of society
Comte emphasized that society should be studied:
a) Objectively and scientifically
b) Subjectively
c) Through religion
d) Through metaphysics
Ans: a) Objectively and scientifically
Which concept of Comte anticipated Functionalism?
a) Law of Three Stages
b) Social Statics and Dynamics
c) Religion of Humanity
d) Hierarchy of Sciences
Ans: b) Social Statics and Dynamics

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Section T: Final Concepts
Comte believed sociology would provide:
a) Revolution
b) Scientific guidance for social reform
c) Faith-based solutions
d) Economic dominance
Ans: b) Scientific guidance for social reform
Comte’s philosophy sought to:
a) Replace science with theology
b) Unite science and morality
c) Abolish progress
d) Deny order
Ans: b) Unite science and morality
According to Comte, progress is possible only with:
a) Order
b) Conflict
c) Chaos
d) Revolution
Ans: a) Order
Comte’s emphasis on science in sociology made it:
a) A branch of philosophy
b) A positive science of society
c) A religious study
d) A political doctrine
Ans: b) A positive science of society
Auguste Comte’s sociological thought can be summarized as:
a) Conflict and revolution
b) Positivism, order, and progress
c) Mythology and tradition
d) Political dominance

1. Ans: b) Positivism, order, and progress

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Sociological Thought of Auguste Comte — Short Notes & 100 MCQs (with Answers)

Law of Three Stages • Positivism • Social Statics & Dynamics • Hierarchy of Sciences

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Short Notes

• Law of Three Stages: Theological → Metaphysical → Positive.
• Positivism: Valid knowledge comes from observation and experiment.
• Social Statics & Dynamics: Order vs. change and progress.
• Hierarchy of Sciences: Math → Astronomy → Physics → Chemistry → Biology → Sociology.

100 MCQs with Answers