Comte and Brentano: Elements for a Theory of Decline
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Bianca Savu
Abstract
Auguste Comte’s theory of the development of the human spirit is interpreted as supporting a vision of linear, ascending movement, aiming at a positive stage. Given this, the exegesis is focused, mainly, on the notion of progress. In this paper, I discuss the notion of decline, the counterpart of the preferred notion, which I consider to be essential for the above-stated pursuit of the human spirit. This notion has received less attention than the positive one of progress, and my goal here is to highlight the strengths and the function of the notion of decline, paying attention to the similarities that can be established between Comte’s “decline” and the corresponding notion from Brentano’s theory of the four phases.
Abstract
Auguste Comte’s theory of the development of the human spirit is interpreted as supporting a vision of linear, ascending movement, aiming at a positive stage. Given this, the exegesis is focused, mainly, on the notion of progress. In this paper, I discuss the notion of decline, the counterpart of the preferred notion, which I consider to be essential for the above-stated pursuit of the human spirit. This notion has received less attention than the positive one of progress, and my goal here is to highlight the strengths and the function of the notion of decline, paying attention to the similarities that can be established between Comte’s “decline” and the corresponding notion from Brentano’s theory of the four phases.
Chapters in this book
- Frontmatter I
- Table of Contents V
- List of Abbreviations IX
- Introduction 1
- Comte, Mill, and Brentano on the Intellectual Status of Philosophy and Its Relationship to History 9
- Comte on Psychology: The Criticism of “Inner Observation” and the Constitution of the “Systematic View of the Soul” 31
- Franz Brentano and Auguste Comte: The Theory of Stages and the Psychology 45
- Comte and Brentano: Elements for a Theory of Decline 139
- Can We Have Scientific Knowledge About God? Brentano on Comte’s Metaphysical Skepticism 165
- Intentionality and the Classification of Phenomena and Sciences in Comte’s Cours de Philosophie Positive and in Brentano’s Empirical Psychology 185
- Brentano’s View about Natural Science and Methodological Phenomenalism. A Comparison with John Stuart Mill’s Approach 223
- The Reception of Positivism in Whewell, Mill and Brentano 245
- Franz Brentano’s Multifaceted View of Induction in Empirical and Genetic Psychology 265
- Hume’s “Bundle of Perceptions” and the “Problem of the I” in Brentano’s Psychology from an Empirical Standpoint 279
- Brentano’s Mathematical Foundation of Science 309
- Franz Brentano on the Errors of Mach’s Positivism: Psychology, Metaphysics, Logic 331
- On the Brentanian Legacy in Twardowski’s Views on Psychology 351
- Descriptive and Intentional Contents. Considerations on Husserl’s Logical Investigations from Brentano’s Empirical Point of View 371
- Brentano’s Four Phases and the Rise of Scientific Philosophy in the Light of His Relation to His Students 401
- Brentano in Exile: The Brentano Institute at Oxford 415
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Appendix: The Idea of Philosophy as Science in Brentano
- Habilitation Theses 1866 433
- Auguste Comte and Positive Philosophy 1869 437
- Introduction to the Concept of the History of Philosophy 457
- On the Law of Historical Development 475
- Philosophy of the History of Philosophy 485
- On the Reasons for a Loss of Confidence in the Area of Philosophy 489
- On Schelling’s Philosophy 501
- On the Future of Philosophy 523
- My Parting Wishes for Austria 1894 571
- Index 591
Chapters in this book
- Frontmatter I
- Table of Contents V
- List of Abbreviations IX
- Introduction 1
- Comte, Mill, and Brentano on the Intellectual Status of Philosophy and Its Relationship to History 9
- Comte on Psychology: The Criticism of “Inner Observation” and the Constitution of the “Systematic View of the Soul” 31
- Franz Brentano and Auguste Comte: The Theory of Stages and the Psychology 45
- Comte and Brentano: Elements for a Theory of Decline 139
- Can We Have Scientific Knowledge About God? Brentano on Comte’s Metaphysical Skepticism 165
- Intentionality and the Classification of Phenomena and Sciences in Comte’s Cours de Philosophie Positive and in Brentano’s Empirical Psychology 185
- Brentano’s View about Natural Science and Methodological Phenomenalism. A Comparison with John Stuart Mill’s Approach 223
- The Reception of Positivism in Whewell, Mill and Brentano 245
- Franz Brentano’s Multifaceted View of Induction in Empirical and Genetic Psychology 265
- Hume’s “Bundle of Perceptions” and the “Problem of the I” in Brentano’s Psychology from an Empirical Standpoint 279
- Brentano’s Mathematical Foundation of Science 309
- Franz Brentano on the Errors of Mach’s Positivism: Psychology, Metaphysics, Logic 331
- On the Brentanian Legacy in Twardowski’s Views on Psychology 351
- Descriptive and Intentional Contents. Considerations on Husserl’s Logical Investigations from Brentano’s Empirical Point of View 371
- Brentano’s Four Phases and the Rise of Scientific Philosophy in the Light of His Relation to His Students 401
- Brentano in Exile: The Brentano Institute at Oxford 415
-
Appendix: The Idea of Philosophy as Science in Brentano
- Habilitation Theses 1866 433
- Auguste Comte and Positive Philosophy 1869 437
- Introduction to the Concept of the History of Philosophy 457
- On the Law of Historical Development 475
- Philosophy of the History of Philosophy 485
- On the Reasons for a Loss of Confidence in the Area of Philosophy 489
- On Schelling’s Philosophy 501
- On the Future of Philosophy 523
- My Parting Wishes for Austria 1894 571
- Index 591
