Abstract

Abstract Positivism claims that science is the best approach to understanding the world and/or to addressing social issues. It also emphasizes the role of observation over the development of explanatory theories. This entry discusses several approaches to positivism that have been influential in the philosophy of science, beginning with the theories of August Comte (1798–1857) and Ernst Mach (1838–1916). Contemporary philosophy of science has been particularly influenced by logical positivism, especially its views on the meaningfulness of and evidence for scientific statements, and its understanding of the unity of science.

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