Sociology in Different Views

an article of the different views of Sociology as tackled by Comte, Martineau and Marx by Ezra Soriano

Sociology is a ‘science of society’, making it unlike any other science present in the modern-day. Since it is a’ science of society’, it therefore called a positive science, according to Auguste Comte. Auguste Comte is the ‘Father of sociology’, he was the first to develop the concept hence, making him the first sociologist. He introduced the ‘Law of Three Phases’. It is in this law that he is known for being a social scientist and philosopher. The ‘Law of Three Phases’  basically presents the different progressions of man’s reasoning and understanding of the world around him. The Theological Phase- it is in this phase that man uses divine power as the principle of everything and there is no scientific involvement whatsoever. Next is the Metaphysical Phase states that perception and possibilities if man come from abstract forces thus, rendering human development as an inherent fact.  Secular and liberal views were developed during the period of Renaissance- an era greatly associated with this phase- and was considered a true sign of development. Last but not the least, the Scientific Phase, this phase is based on empirical data thus making it valid and truthful. In this phase, divine power and abstract forces are disregarded because these are not based on empirical data. All rational elements are not included in this phase. This phase is characterized by purely scientific means of attaining knowledge and reasoning. The ‘Theory of Evolution’ is greatly associated with this phase.

Harriet Martineau was an English sociologist, one of the first women to distinguish herself in a man’s field. Much like Comte’s understanding of sociology, she too, rejects all forms of irrational bases for reasoning (theology and abstract forces) and considers science as the most valid means of acquiring knowledge. She also stated that secularism ought to replace the religious world since it would hinder the progress if any fast growing state. She believed that general social laws should always be at work in any society in order to make a mature state since modern science is the most advanced product of man.

Karl Marx was a socio-political theorist who conceived the theory on conflicts in any society. These conflicts are often rooted from material inequality which is inherent in a capitalist state. It states that conflict can be eliminated if all workers unite. Marx believes that workers have power advantage over the capitalists.

In the advent of the modern society, the disparity between the capitalists and workers are becoming greater and greater. This is because society favors the capitalist because they can acquire numerous benefits in doing so. Marx stated that the key to conflict abolition is through mass opposition done by the workers of the state (for they are the force that drives the capitalist state and keeps it thriving) but, given the circumstances in the present-day society, it would take great and lengthy efforts for the workers to succeed, especially in a profit-driven society like ours. Equality is hard to achieve especially if the enemy holds great power and influence over the masses. It is a sad reality to face that we, humans, are living in a capitalist state and it would take a long period of time before the workers’ voices and concerns can be heard but through solidarity  among workers worldwide, equality can still be achieved by the masses.