Comte: Early Political Writings (Cambridge Texts in the History of Political Thought)
Cambridge University Press, 8/5/2010
EAN 9780521469234, ISBN10: 0521469236
Paperback, 292 pages, 21.6 x 14 x 1.9 cm
Language: English
This edition of the French philosopher Auguste Comte's (1798–1857) early essays shows Comte at the heart of the political and intellectual debates of Restoration France. The young Comte forged the central features of his philosophical system in response to the central challenge of the 1820s - how to find a new foundation for political legitimacy and thus to 'close' the revolutionary era. Stuart Jones's introduction to this new edition shows how Comte grappled with problems that confronted liberals and counter-revolutionaries alike, and identifies the novelty of his solution. The essays presented in this edition reveal the systematizing character of Comte's intellect, which lay at the root of his enormous appeal to nineteenth-century readers. In addition to the substantial introduction, this volume contains a chronology, biographical information on key figures, and a bibliographical note making this an accessible volume highly suitable for undergraduate use.
Introduction
Notes on text and translation
Chronology
Biographical notes
Bibliographical note
1. General separation between opinions and desires
2. Summary appraisal of the general character of modern history
3. Plan of the scientific work necessary for the reorganization of society
4. Philosophical considerations on the sciences and scientists
5. Considerations of the spiritual power
6. Examination of Broussais's Treatise on Irritation.