POSITIVISM

is the philosophical and religious system of Comte (q.v.). The philosophy has two main principles— (1) The cla ification of the sciences in a definite order, from simple (e.g. mathematics) to complex (e.g. morals) and (2) the cla ification of mental proce es in a; definite order, from the theological or personifying attitude through the metaphysical or abstract to the * positive * or scientific. The religion is the * cult ’ of Humanity, as a corporate unity having a past, a present, and a future. Amongst leading adherents of Comte were S. Mill, G. H. Lewes, Congreve, and Harriet Martin eau, and Frederick Harrison still preaches his gospel but Herbert Spencer, Huxley, John Fiske, and M'Cosh; have di ipated much of the glamour spread abroad by Comte’s own originality and striking personality.