Comte's theory outlines society as passing .
through three stages, and each stage is linked to man's state of mind. "Each branch of our .
knowledge passes through three different theoretical conditions: the theological, or fictitious; .
the metaphysical, or abstract; and the scientific, or positive." [1] .
Comte continues his theory of social change by discussing how the evolution of .
society is related to the evolution of the mind at each stage: "In the theological state, the .
human mind, seeking the essential nature of beings, the first and final causes of all effects . .
supposes all phenomenon to be produced by the immediate action of supernatural beings. . .
In the metaphysical state . the mind supposes instead of supernatural beings, abstract .
forces, veritable entities inherent in all beings, and capable of producing all phenomena. . .
In the final positive state, the mind has given over the vain search after absolute notions . .
and the causes of all phenomena, and applies itself to study their laws. Reasoning and .
observation, duly combined are the means of this knowledge." (Comte, 8) .
Comte's theory is also laden with his political views which seem to support the .
social order and discourage revolution. This is accomplished through his discussion of slow .
and progressive societal change. "Now it is the slow and continuos accumulation of these .
successive changes that gradually constitutes the social movement, whose steps are .
ordinarily marked by generations ." (Comte, 16). .
Comte also attempts to convince the reader that social change is the result of natural .
social laws which cannot be changed, so instead of revolting he suggests that the lower .
classes should adopt a positive attitude toward them. "Since, then, the existence of the social .
movement is unquestionable on the one hand, and on the other, the succession of social .
states is never arbitrary, we cannot but regard this continuos phenomenon as subject to .
