Social Dynamics and Statics of Auguste Comte

The concept of social dynamics and statics was developed by O. Comte in the theory of social progress, based on the author's own history of the human spirit. Social dynamics is the sphere of studying the laws of the evolution of social forms, the successive replacement of systems and structures determined by natural, natural and climatic factors, economic conditions and the spiritual and moral efforts of the subjects of human activity.

To social statics, Comte referred to the social order and stable social systems and structures localized in time and space, consolidated by a sense of solidarity, a social contract, common interests, moral, moral, legal and ideological and political norms. To such structures, O.Kont considered, the family, social group, a class, the organization, the nation, the state concerns.

Social dynamics should lead to progress in the development of society. Comte identified primary and secondary factors that affect social progress. The primary Comte considered spiritual, mental development. Secondary factors he considered race, climate, population growth, average life expectancy.

The secondary effect, according to O.Contu, only slows down or accelerates the progress of society, which must be carried out according to certain laws and its stages can not be changed. Comte shared progress in certain areas: material, in which there is an external improvement in life; The physical under which the improvement of human nature must take place; Intellectual, where the intellect develops and the transition from a religious outlook to a scientific one develops; Moral, in which the development of a sense of collectivity. O. Comte attached significant importance to the intellectual and moral spheres. Social dynamics presupposes the operation of the law of three stages, which says that the three stages of the development of human thought are similar to the three stages in the development of history.

The first is theological, it is determined by the period of antiquity and the early Middle Ages until about 1300. O. Comte divides this stage into fetishism, polytheism and monotheism. In the first period of development of history (fetishism), people can ascribe life to surrounding objects and see gods in them. Under polytheism, which was prevalent in ancient Greece and Rome, certain beings were idolized, the intervention of which explained to people of that time many phenomena. The period of monotheism is associated with the emergence and development of Christianity.

The metaphysical stage (approximately from 1300 to 1800) was considered by Comte as a transitional one, characterized by the destruction of old beliefs - the fundamental basis of public order. The most important events of this era (the Reformation, the philosophy of the Enlightenment, the French Revolution) are accompanied by the spread of a negative critical philosophy that led to the decline of authorities. The metaphysical spirit of that era generated doubts, moral corruption and political cataclysms.

A society in a state of anarchy needs a new ideology that could fulfill its integrative role. To create such an ideology, Comte thought, the task is quite real. Social dynamics as a manifestation of natural evolutionary laws should contribute to the progressive development of society.

The third stage is positive. It occurs when the sciences are spreading, the growth of their social significance, the development of industry and all spheres of life activity, with the fundamental development of positivist morality. The victory of altruistic ideals over selfish ones, the improvement of social feelings, the rapid growth of material culture, ensuring justice and peace, is, according to O. Comte, a social dynamics that should lead society to progress. However, many scientists consider the views of Auguste Comte utopian.

Social statics and Dynamics are two sections of one general sociological theory that studies society as a single system.