Positivism is a philosophical current.
Searching for the etymological origin of the term positivism we will find that it is found in Latin and that it is formed by the union of several parts, specifically three: the word positus which is equivalent to "position", the suffix - tivus which can be translated as “active relationship” and the suffix –ism which is synonymous with “theory or doctrine”.
The name positivism is known as a philosophical structure or system that is based on the experimental method and is characterized by rejecting universal beliefs and a priori notions. From the perspective of positivists, the only type of knowledge that is valid is that of a scientific nature, which arises from supporting theories after the application of the scientific method .
Origin of positivism
It should be noted that the development of positivism is linked to the consequences of the French Revolution , which transformed human beings and society into objects of scientific study. This novelty required a new epistemology to legitimize the knowledge obtained.
The Frenchman Augusto Comte and the British John Stuart Mill are often pointed out as the fathers of this epistemology and of positivism in general. Both maintained that any philosophical or scientific activity must be carried out by analyzing real facts that were verified by experience.
However, it is important to emphasize that the first person to use the term positivism, at the beginning of the 19th century, was the Frenchman Henri de Saint-Simon . This philosopher is considered a precursor of social philosophy and whose professional maxim was to achieve the reorganization of society at that time to avoid classes. Specifically, he wanted to undertake this task using what were the pillars of industry and also science.
Positivism is based on the experimental method.
Criticism and opposition
It is also interesting to mention that positivist epistemology received various criticisms from those who believed that its objects of study (such as man and culture ) could not be evaluated with the same method used in the natural sciences. Meaning-making and intentionality, for example, are unique to human beings.
Hermeneutics was one of the currents that confronted positivism, seeking to understand phenomena and not explain them. Bertrand Russell and Ludwig Wittgenstein were among the thinkers who attempted to separate science from metaphysics.
logical positivism
Likewise, and to finish the analysis of the term positivism, we cannot ignore the existence of the so-called neopositivism or logical positivism . This can be defined as that philosophical movement that was born in contemporary times and is based on the fact that it considers that philosophy must have as other of its fundamental pillars what is both scientific methodology and the analysis of language.
Among the main figures who defended and served as representatives of this movement are the German Rodolfo Carnap who produced such important works as “The Logical Structure of the World” (1928), the Austrian philosopher Otto Neurah who wrote “Empirical Sociology” (1931) and Professor Mauricio Schlick .
Positivism is also, finally, the practical attitude, the extreme fondness for material enjoyment and the tendency to prioritize the material aspects of reality above all things.