The neurosociology of Auguste Comte

Bibliographic Data

ID3083332
AuthorsRyan Mcveigh (0000-0001-9493-8865, Lakehead University, corresponding author)
Year2020
Volume59
Issue2
Pages329-354
Publication date2020-06-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueSocial Science Information (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0539-0184 • E-ISSN: 1461-7412
PublisherSAGE Publications Inc (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1177/0539018420922759
OpenAlexW3031026793
LanguageEN
Citations received2
References cited40

This article explores the role of phrenology in the work of Auguste Comte. I begin by reviewing the historical and contemporary significance of this doctrine to show the direct lineage that exists between phrenology and what we now call cognitive neuroscience. I then demonstrate the impact of phrenology on Comte's sociological theory and make the claim that his paradigm exemplifies what TenHouten called 'neurosociology.' Following this, I show how Comte's social epistemology rejected biological reductionism and considered neurophysiology a subfield of sociology. This results in a somewhat startling assertion: Comte saw sociology as a cognitive science. After outlining Comte's original vision for sociology as a discipline, I place Comte's system in critical contact with 21st century neuroscience and suggest fruitful ways to move the neurosociology paradigm forward. In this I demonstrate that Comte's vision for sociology is worth pursuing today, even while the specifics of his doctrine are not

Assertion · Doctrine · Epistemology · Phrenology · Reductionism · Sociology · Vitalism · Action Observation and Synchronization · Emile Durkheim and Sociology · Management and Organizational Studies · Philosophy

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