Which of the following are defining features of positivism?

(A) Metaphysics

(B) Empiricism

(C) Normative values

(D) Unification of Scientific laws

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

The correct answer is an option (B) and (D) only 

Important Points 

• Positivism thought was developed by Auguste Comte (1798-1857), however, it was introduced in the 1950s in geography.
• Positivism is a philosophical system recognizing only that which can be scientifically verified or which is capable of logical or mathematical proof and therefore rejecting metaphysics and theism.
  •  Empiricism is a defining feature of positivism as it emphasizes the importance of observable and verifiable data and the use of scientific methods for acquiring knowledge about the world
  • The unification of Scientific laws refers to the idea that scientific laws and theories can be unified into a single coherent system. This is important for positivism as it seeks to develop a universal and comprehensive understanding of the natural and social world through the application of scientific methods.

Key Points

• Its goal is to formulate abstract and universal laws on the operative dynamics of the social universe. 
• The natural sciences are the sciences that seek to explain the rules that govern the natural world through scientific methods.
• The key features of positivism related to natural science:
  • A focus on science as a product, a linguistic or numerical set of statements;
  • The belief is that science contains theories or research traditions that are largely commensurable.
  • The belief is that science sometimes incorporates new ideas that are discontinuous from old ones.
  • The belief that science involves the idea of the unity of science.
  • The belief is that science is nature and nature is science.