The Structure of Mathematics in Comte and its Application to Astronomy
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.14422/pen.v80.i311.y2024.029Keywords:
positivism, philosophy of mathematics, history, methodAbstract
The aim of this paper is to present the structure of the mathematical sciences according to Comte’s Cours de Philosophie Positive. Despite being a very influential author, whose work regarding sociology is widely known, Comte’s contributions to the philosophy of the «hard sciences» have been often neglected. Mathematics, together with its application to astronomy, exemplifies the positive method in the attainment of knowledge, therefore, its consideration is relevant for a proper insight about Comte’s philosophical system. Thus, we expect to contribute to the understanding of one of the most significant philosophical strands in the nineteenth century.
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