STPGT-Sociology_Auguste Comte: Hierarchy of Sciences

Model MCQ's Auguste Comte

Auguste Comte: Hierarchy of Sciences

1. Who introduced the concept of the "Hierarchy of Sciences"?

(A) Karl Marx

(B) Emile Durkheim

(C) Auguste Comte

(D) Herbert Spencer

(C) Auguste Comte

Explanation: Comte introduced the hierarchy of sciences to describe the progressive development of scientific knowledge.

2. According to Comte, which science is at the top of the hierarchy?

(A) Sociology

(B) Physics

(C) Biology

(D) Astronomy

(A) Sociology

Explanation: Comte placed sociology at the top of the hierarchy as it synthesizes all other sciences.

3. Comte’s hierarchy of sciences is based on which concept?

(A) Theological stages

(B) The law of increasing complexity and decreasing generality

(C) Abstract reasoning

(D) Political organization

(B) The law of increasing complexity and decreasing generality

Explanation: Comte's hierarchy follows the principle that sciences evolve from simple and general to complex and specific.

4. In Comte's view, which science is foundational to understanding the rest of the sciences?

(A) Sociology

(B) Mathematics

(C) Chemistry

(D) Biology

(B) Mathematics

Explanation: Mathematics serves as the foundation for all other sciences, providing the tools for measurement and calculation.

5. Which of the following sciences did Comte place at the lowest rung of his hierarchy?

(A) Biology

(B) Sociology

(C) Astronomy

(D) Mathematics

(D) Mathematics

Explanation: Comte viewed mathematics as the most fundamental and abstract science, essential to all other fields.

6. According to Comte, which of these sciences deals with the laws governing heavenly bodies?

(A) Sociology

(B) Astronomy

(C) Physics

(D) Biology

(B) Astronomy

Explanation: Astronomy studies the laws of the universe and the motions of celestial bodies.

7. In Comte’s hierarchy, which of these sciences deals with the chemical composition and reactions of substances?

(A) Sociology

(B) Chemistry

(C) Physics

(D) Biology

(B) Chemistry

Explanation: Chemistry is concerned with the composition, behavior, and changes of substances.

8. Which of the following sciences did Comte view as studying life forms and their interactions with the environment?

(A) Sociology

(B) Biology

(C) Physics

(D) Astronomy

(B) Biology

Explanation: Biology studies living organisms and their interactions with their environments.

9. Comte’s hierarchy of sciences follows an order of increasing:

(A) Complexity and specificity

(B) Simplicity and generality

(C) Empirical data

(D) Random events

(A) Complexity and specificity

Explanation: As one moves up the hierarchy, sciences become more complex and specialized in their focus.

10. According to Comte, what is the role of sociology in the hierarchy of sciences?

(A) To study individual behavior

(B) To understand the laws of nature

(C) To bring all other sciences into relationship with each other

(D) To examine only social conflicts

(C) To bring all other sciences into relationship with each other

Explanation: Sociology serves as the “crowning edifice,” connecting all other sciences within the context of society.

11. In Comte’s hierarchy, which science examines the forces and laws governing matter at the molecular level?

(A) Biology

(B) Physics

(C) Astronomy

(D) Sociology

(B) Physics

Explanation: Physics studies the general properties of matter and energy at various levels.

12. Which of the following best describes the focus of abstract mathematics in Comte's hierarchy?

(A) Measurement of physical phenomena

(B) Solving equations and discovering unknown quantities

(C) Study of biological life forms

(D) Observation of astronomical phenomena

(B) Solving equations and discovering unknown quantities

Explanation: Abstract mathematics involves solving equations and deducing unknown quantities from known values.

13. Comte’s positivism influenced which field by emphasizing the observation of social facts?

(A) Sociology

(B) Biology

(C) Chemistry

(D) Psychology

(A) Sociology

Explanation: Comte's emphasis on observation and classification of social facts laid the foundation for modern sociology.

14. In Comte’s view, which science directly follows astronomy in the hierarchy?

(A) Chemistry

(B) Sociology

(C) Physics

(D) Biology

(C) Physics

Explanation: After astronomy, physics follows as the next most general science, focusing on the laws of matter and energy.

15. Comte believed that sociology was the science that:

(A) Was most abstract and theoretical

(B) Had the least relevance to other sciences

(C) Provided a comprehensive understanding of social life and order

(D) Focused solely on individual behavior

(C) Provided a comprehensive understanding of social life and order

Explanation: Sociology, in Comte's view, ties together insights from all other sciences and applies them to understanding society.

16. According to Comte, the study of chemistry focuses on:

(A) The composition and reactions of elements

(B) The dynamics of living organisms

(C) The study of celestial bodies

(D) The laws of physical matter

(A) The composition and reactions of elements

Explanation: Chemistry is concerned with the molecular and chemical composition of substances and their interactions.

17. Which science in Comte's hierarchy is responsible for studying the natural world and the laws governing life forms?

(A) Sociology

(B) Chemistry

(C) Biology

(D) Physics

(C) Biology

Explanation: Biology examines life forms, their structures, functions, and relationships with their environment.

18. Comte placed astronomy at the base of his hierarchy because:

(A) It is the most complex science

(B) It deals with the most basic and general phenomena

(C) It is less scientific than other sciences

(D) It is concerned with abstract concepts

(B) It deals with the most basic and general phenomena

Explanation: Astronomy is considered the simplest science in Comte’s hierarchy because it studies general laws of the universe.

19. Which science did Comte consider the first to develop in the progression of scientific knowledge?

(A) Sociology

(B) Biology

(C) Astronomy

(D) Chemistry

(C) Astronomy

Explanation: Astronomy was the first science to reach the positive stage in Comte’s hierarchy.

20. In Comte’s hierarchy, sociology is considered:

(A) The most independent science

(B) The most abstract and least practical

(C) The "crowning edifice" that connects all sciences

(D) A science that is irrelevant to other fields

(C) The "crowning edifice" that connects all sciences

Explanation: Sociology is viewed as the final science in the hierarchy, synthesizing insights from all other disciplines.

21. According to Comte, sociology cannot be fully understood without knowledge of:

(A) Astronomy and physics

(B) Metaphysical reasoning

(C) The previous sciences in the hierarchy

(D) Religious doctrines

(C) The previous sciences in the hierarchy

Explanation: Comte believed that understanding sociology required a background in the sciences that preceded it in the hierarchy.

22. Which science did Comte place between physics and chemistry in the hierarchy of sciences?

(A) Sociology

(B) Biology

(C) Astronomy

(D) Psychology

(B) Biology

Explanation: Biology was placed between physics and chemistry because it builds upon the understanding of physical laws while focusing on living organisms.

23. Which science in Comte’s hierarchy involves the study of social order and change?

(A) Physics

(B) Chemistry

(C) Sociology

(D) Astronomy

(C) Sociology

Explanation: Sociology studies both the structure of society (social statics) and social change (social dynamics).

24. Comte’s hierarchy of sciences reflects:

(A) Theological concepts

(B) Increasing complexity and specialization of knowledge

(C) The decay of scientific knowledge over time

(D) The decline of empirical observation

(B) Increasing complexity and specialization of knowledge

Explanation: As you move up the hierarchy, each science becomes more specialized and focused on complex phenomena.

25. In Comte’s hierarchy, which science would be most concerned with understanding the laws of life forms and their environment?

(A) Sociology

(B) Biology

(C) Chemistry

(D) Astronomy

(B) Biology

Explanation: Biology deals with the study of life forms and their relationship with the environment.

26. Comte’s view of sociology is that it should:

(A) Be separate from the physical sciences

(B) Integrate knowledge from all other sciences

(C) Be based on metaphysical reasoning

(D) Focus solely on social conflict

(B) Integrate knowledge from all other sciences

Explanation: Comte believed sociology should synthesize insights from all the sciences to understand human society comprehensively.

27. According to Comte, the most powerful tool for investigating natural laws is:

(A) Intuition

(B) Mathematics

(C) Empathy

(D) Philosophy

(B) Mathematics

Explanation: Comte regarded mathematics as the most powerful instrument for understanding and solving problems in the natural and social sciences.

28. Comte’s philosophy emphasized that sociology should be studied like:

(A) Psychology

(B) Natural sciences

(C) Literature

(D) Political ideologies

(B) Natural sciences

Explanation: Comte believed sociology should adopt the methods of natural sciences, using empirical observation and experimentation.

29. In Comte's view, which science serves as the foundation for all other sciences?

(A) Chemistry

(B) Astronomy

(C) Mathematics

(D) Sociology

(C) Mathematics

Explanation: Mathematics provides the foundational tools for the study of all other sciences, including the natural and social sciences.

30. Comte’s positivism has been critiqued for:

(A) Focusing on empirical observation

(B) Overlooking the importance of subjective experience and meaning

(C) Emphasizing social conflict over social order

(D) Underestimating the importance of scientific methods

(B) Overlooking the importance of subjective experience and meaning

Explanation: Critics argue that Comte’s positivism is limited by its focus on observable facts, neglecting the subjective meanings and experiences that shape human behavior.

31. According to Comte, the most powerful tool for investigating natural laws is:

(A) Intuition

(B) Mathematics

(C) Empathy

(D) Philosophy

(B) Mathematics

Explanation: Comte regarded mathematics as the most powerful instrument for understanding and solving problems in the natural and social sciences.

32. Comte’s philosophy emphasized that sociology should be studied like:

(A) Psychology

(B) Natural sciences

(C) Literature

(D) Political ideologies

(B) Natural sciences

Explanation: Comte believed sociology should adopt the methods of natural sciences, using empirical observation and experimentation.

33. In Comte's view, which science serves as the foundation for all other sciences?

(A) Chemistry

(B) Astronomy

(C) Mathematics

(D) Sociology

(C) Mathematics

Explanation: Mathematics provides the foundational tools for the study of all other sciences, including the natural and social sciences.

34. Comte’s positivism has been critiqued for:

(A) Focusing on empirical observation

(B) Overlooking the importance of subjective experience and meaning

(C) Emphasizing social conflict over social order

(D) Underestimating the importance of scientific methods

(B) Overlooking the importance of subjective experience and meaning

Explanation: Critics argue that Comte’s positivism is limited by its focus on observable facts, neglecting the subjective meanings and experiences that shape human behavior.

35. In Comte’s hierarchy, sociology is placed at the top because it:

(A) Studies individual behavior

(B) Is the most abstract science

(C) Brings together all other sciences to understand human society

(D) Focuses on political structures

(C) Brings together all other sciences to understand human society

Explanation: Sociology integrates knowledge from all other sciences to provide a comprehensive understanding of society.

36. The hierarchy of sciences in Comte’s positivism is based on the idea of:

(A) Random scientific developments

(B) The progression of scientific knowledge from simplicity to complexity

(C) The relative importance of each science in societal development

(D) The degree of influence that each science has on society

(B) The progression of scientific knowledge from simplicity to complexity

Explanation: Comte’s hierarchy reflects the progression of scientific knowledge, with simpler sciences laying the foundation for more complex ones.

37. In Comte’s positivism, the scientific method is crucial for:

(A) Establishing metaphysical truths

(B) Understanding social dynamics and change

(C) Reaffirming religious beliefs

(D) Analyzing philosophical speculation

(B) Understanding social dynamics and change

Explanation: Comte believed the scientific method was essential for studying social life and identifying laws that govern societal behavior.

38. Comte’s belief in the law of three stages (theological, metaphysical, and positive) implies that:

(A) Society evolves through a process of destruction and rebuilding

(B) Social progress occurs through successive, predictable stages of intellectual development

(C) Social change is random and unpredictable

(D) Social theories are based solely on abstract speculation

(B) Social progress occurs through successive, predictable stages of intellectual development

Explanation: Comte's law of three stages suggests that societies evolve from theological to metaphysical to positive stages, each building on the previous one.

39. Comte viewed sociology as the “crowning edifice” of the sciences because:

(A) It is the most abstract science

(B) It synthesizes the insights of all the other sciences

(C) It studies only individual behavior

(D) It is concerned solely with social problems

(B) It synthesizes the insights of all the other sciences

Explanation: Comte’s sociology was seen as the final science that integrates insights from all other sciences to understand human society.

40. Which science did Comte consider the simplest and most general of all sciences?

(A) Sociology

(B) Astronomy

(C) Chemistry

(D) Biology

(B) Astronomy

Explanation: Comte viewed astronomy as the simplest science, dealing with the most general and observable phenomena.

41. Comte’s positivism has had a lasting impact on sociology by:

(A) Promoting subjective theories of social behavior

(B) Encouraging the scientific study of social phenomena

(C) Emphasizing the importance of abstract reasoning

(D) Focusing on individual behavior and psychology

(B) Encouraging the scientific study of social phenomena

Explanation: Comte’s positivism laid the foundation for modern sociology by advocating for a scientific approach to studying society.

42. According to Comte, which of the following must sociology rely on to develop as a true science?

(A) Religious beliefs

(B) Theological reasoning

(C) Empirical observation and scientific methods

(D) Political ideologies

(C) Empirical observation and scientific methods

Explanation: Comte argued that sociology must be based on observable facts and scientific methods, similar to the natural sciences.

43. Which of the following sciences did Comte believe had the most general application in explaining the universe?

(A) Sociology

(B) Physics

(C) Chemistry

(D) Astronomy

(D) Astronomy

Explanation: Comte viewed astronomy as the science with the broadest application, dealing with universal laws of the universe.

44. Comte's positivism rejects which of the following in the study of social phenomena?

(A) Scientific methods

(B) Religious or theological explanations

(C) Sociological observation

(D) Empirical data

(B) Religious or theological explanations

Explanation: Positivism rejects religious and theological explanations, instead relying on empirical data and scientific methods.

45. In Comte’s hierarchy, the study of human life forms and their relationships with the environment falls under which science?

(A) Sociology

(B) Biology

(C) Chemistry

(D) Physics

(B) Biology

Explanation: Biology is concerned with the study of living organisms and their interactions with the environment.

46. Comte's hierarchy of sciences is designed to demonstrate the relationship between:

(A) Different types of knowledge

(B) Political ideologies and social structures

(C) Religious doctrines and social behavior

(D) Metaphysical reasoning and scientific facts

(A) Different types of knowledge

Explanation: Comte’s hierarchy illustrates how different scientific fields are interconnected and build upon one another.

47. Comte’s positivism encourages sociologists to study society through:

(A) Religious interpretations

(B) Speculative philosophical theories

(C) Systematic observation and classification of social facts

(D) Political agendas

(C) Systematic observation and classification of social facts

Explanation: Comte’s positivism emphasizes empirical research through the observation and classification of social facts.

48. Comte viewed sociology as the science that would eventually:

(A) Replace all other sciences

(B) Become irrelevant to modern society

(C) Synthesize all other scientific knowledge and explain social life

(D) Focus solely on social conflict

(C) Synthesize all other scientific knowledge and explain social life

Explanation: Comte envisioned sociology as the science that would unify insights from all other sciences to explain human society.

49. Comte’s belief that each science is dependent on the previous one reflects his idea that:

(A) Knowledge progresses randomly

(B) Scientific knowledge is cumulative and interconnected

(C) Each science is independent of the others

(D) The social sciences are more complex than natural sciences

(B) Scientific knowledge is cumulative and interconnected

Explanation: Comte argued that scientific knowledge builds progressively, with each science relying on the prior sciences in the hierarchy.

50. Which of the following is NOT a critique of Comte's positivism?

(A) It overemphasizes observable facts while neglecting human agency

(B) It advocates for metaphysical reasoning in studying society

(C) It disregards social meanings and subjective experiences

(D) It focuses on social stability and order

(B) It advocates for metaphysical reasoning in studying society

Explanation: Comte’s positivism rejects metaphysical reasoning in favor of empirical observation and scientific methods.

51. According to Comte, the role of sociology in the hierarchy of sciences is to:

(A) Explain individual behavior

(B) Study the behavior of celestial bodies

(C) Bring together knowledge from all other sciences

(D) Focus on political ideologies

(C) Bring together knowledge from all other sciences

Explanation: Comte saw sociology as the discipline that synthesizes insights from all other sciences to understand human society.

52. Comte believed that sociology should be based on:

(A) Abstract philosophical reasoning

(B) Empirical observation and scientific data

(C) Religious teachings

(D) Political and social ideologies

(B) Empirical observation and scientific data

Explanation: Comte’s positivism emphasized empirical observation as the foundation for sociological knowledge.

53. Which of the following is a key characteristic of Comte's positivism?

(A) Focus on metaphysical explanations

(B) Use of empirical data to form laws

(C) Rejection of scientific methods

(D) Emphasis on subjective experiences

(B) Use of empirical data to form laws

Explanation: Comte’s positivism involves using empirical observation and data to uncover laws governing social phenomena.

54. Comte’s hierarchy of sciences suggests that the most general sciences are:

(A) The least useful in understanding society

(B) The most complex and specialized

(C) The simplest and least specialized

(D) Random and unrelated to each other

(C) The simplest and least specialized

Explanation: Comte’s hierarchy reflects an increasing complexity and specialization as one moves up from mathematics to sociology.

55. Comte’s positivism has been criticized for:

(A) Focusing too much on scientific observation and neglecting human subjectivity

(B) Ignoring scientific methods

(C) Overemphasizing philosophical speculation

(D) Underestimating the importance of empirical data

(A) Focusing too much on scientific observation and neglecting human subjectivity

Explanation: Critics argue that Comte's positivism overlooks the subjective meanings and experiences that influence human behavior.

56. In Comte’s view, which science is responsible for studying the physical properties and laws of matter?

(A) Sociology

(B) Chemistry

(C) Physics

(D) Astronomy

(C) Physics

Explanation: Physics studies the laws governing the properties of matter, energy, and their interactions.

57. Comte’s positivism proposes that sociology should study:

(A) Only individual behavior

(B) The structure of society and its changes over time

(C) Political ideologies and revolutions

(D) Psychological development of individuals

(B) The structure of society and its changes over time

Explanation: Sociology, according to Comte, should focus on understanding the structure of society and its dynamics, including social change.

58. Comte believed that sociology would eventually:

(A) Be a purely theoretical discipline

(B) Replace other sciences

(C) Become the most important science, synthesizing all others

(D) Have no practical application

(C) Become the most important science, synthesizing all others

Explanation: Comte envisioned sociology as the discipline that would unify the knowledge gained from other sciences to explain society comprehensively.

59. Which of the following sciences deals with the study of living organisms and their environment in Comte’s hierarchy?

(A) Chemistry

(B) Physics

(C) Biology

(D) Astronomy

(C) Biology

Explanation: Biology focuses on the study of living organisms, their structure, functions, and interactions with their environment.

60. Comte’s positivism was groundbreaking because it:

(A) Focused on philosophical reasoning over empirical data

(B) Established sociology as a scientific discipline

(C) Rejected the scientific method in studying society

(D) Prioritized individual behavior over social structures

(B) Established sociology as a scientific discipline

Explanation: Comte’s positivism laid the foundation for sociology to be studied scientifically, based on empirical data and observation.

61. Which of the following sciences does Comte place first in his hierarchy due to its simplicity and generality?

(A) Chemistry

(B) Sociology

(C) Astronomy

(D) Biology

(C) Astronomy

Explanation: Comte placed astronomy at the base of his hierarchy because it is the simplest and deals with the most general laws of the universe.

62. In Comte's view, which science deals with the laws of chemical composition and decomposition?

(A) Sociology

(B) Biology

(C) Chemistry

(D) Physics

(C) Chemistry

Explanation: Chemistry is concerned with the composition, structure, and properties of substances, as well as the changes they undergo.

63. Which science in Comte's hierarchy focuses on studying the behavior and dynamics of living organisms in their environment?

(A) Physics

(B) Chemistry

(C) Sociology

(D) Biology

(D) Biology

Explanation: Biology focuses on the study of living organisms, including their physiology, behavior, and interactions with the environment.

64. Comte’s hierarchy places which of the following sciences at the lowest level, with the simplest phenomena?

(A) Sociology

(B) Astronomy

(C) Chemistry

(D) Physics

(B) Astronomy

Explanation: Astronomy, being the study of celestial bodies and universal laws, deals with the most general and observable phenomena.

65. Which science in Comte’s hierarchy studies the fundamental laws of matter, energy, and their interactions?

(A) Sociology

(B) Physics

(C) Astronomy

(D) Chemistry

(B) Physics

Explanation: Physics studies the fundamental laws governing matter, energy, and their interactions, providing the foundation for understanding the physical world.

66. In the hierarchy of sciences, which science is responsible for understanding the forces governing both the natural world and social behavior?

(A) Sociology

(B) Physics

(C) Biology

(D) Chemistry

(A) Sociology

Explanation: Sociology is seen by Comte as the “crowning edifice” that synthesizes all other sciences to explain social life and human behavior.

67. Comte’s hierarchy of sciences indicates that sociology is:

(A) Completely independent of other sciences

(B) Based on abstract philosophical speculation

(C) Dependent on knowledge from the preceding sciences

(D) A purely theoretical discipline

(C) Dependent on knowledge from the preceding sciences

Explanation: Comte argued that sociology builds on knowledge from the natural sciences, which precede it in the hierarchy.

68. According to Comte, which of these sciences is most concerned with the study of celestial phenomena and laws of motion?

(A) Sociology

(B) Chemistry

(C) Physics

(D) Astronomy

(D) Astronomy

Explanation: Astronomy studies the laws governing celestial bodies, including their motions and properties.

69. In Comte’s hierarchy, which science is positioned between physics and chemistry?

(A) Sociology

(B) Biology

(C) Astronomy

(D) Mathematics

(B) Biology

Explanation: Biology is placed between physics and chemistry because it builds upon the understanding of physical laws while focusing on living organisms.

70. Comte’s positivism argues that sociology cannot be fully understood without a background in:

(A) Metaphysical reasoning

(B) The earlier sciences in the hierarchy

(C) Political theory

(D) Philosophical speculation

(B) The earlier sciences in the hierarchy

Explanation: Comte believed sociology must be studied in relation to the natural sciences, which provide the foundational knowledge.

71. Comte is considered the father of which scientific discipline?

(A) Psychology

(B) Political science

(C) Sociology

(D) Economics

(C) Sociology

Explanation: Comte is credited with founding sociology and establishing it as a scientific discipline based on positivism.

72. Comte's view of sociology was that it should:

(A) Focus exclusively on individual actions

(B) Integrate knowledge from all other sciences to understand society

(C) Rely on religious doctrines

(D) Be based on abstract philosophical ideas

(B) Integrate knowledge from all other sciences to understand society

Explanation: Comte saw sociology as the science that brings together knowledge from all other sciences to explain social phenomena.

73. Which of the following is an application of Comte’s positivism in modern sociology?

(A) The emphasis on subjective experiences

(B) The focus on social conflict

(C) The use of empirical data and scientific methods to study society

(D) The reliance on metaphysical reasoning

(C) The use of empirical data and scientific methods to study society

Explanation: Modern sociology, like Comte’s positivism, relies on empirical data and scientific methods to study society.

74. Comte's positivism played a key role in the development of which sociological theory?

(A) Structural functionalism

(B) Conflict theory

(C) Symbolic interactionism

(D) Feminist theory

(A) Structural functionalism

Explanation: Comte’s focus on social order and the scientific study of society influenced functionalist theories in sociology.

75. Which of the following critiques is often leveled against Comte’s positivism?

(A) It overemphasizes the subjective experiences of individuals

(B) It disregards empirical data in favor of philosophical reasoning

(C) It is overly focused on social order and neglects social change and conflict

(D) It ignores the role of sociology in politics

(C) It is overly focused on social order and neglects social change and conflict

Explanation: Critics argue that Comte’s focus on social stability overlooks the importance of social change and conflict in society.

76. Comte’s positivism emphasizes that the study of society should be:

(A) Based on abstract philosophical speculations

(B) Grounded in empirical observation and scientific data

(C) Guided by theological doctrines

(D) Focused on individual behaviors and psychology

(B) Grounded in empirical observation and scientific data

Explanation: Comte believed that sociology, like the natural sciences, should rely on empirical observation and scientific methods to study society.

77. According to Comte, the scientific study of society would eventually lead to:

(A) Political revolutions

(B) The decline of scientific understanding

(C) Progress and improvement in society

(D) The abandonment of scientific methods in sociology

(C) Progress and improvement in society

Explanation: Comte believed that applying scientific methods to the study of society would help solve social problems and lead to progress.

78. In Comte’s hierarchy of sciences, which science is positioned just before sociology?

(A) Astronomy

(B) Physics

(C) Biology

(D) Chemistry

(C) Biology

Explanation: Comte placed biology just before sociology because it deals with life forms and living organisms, which is essential for understanding human society.

79. Comte believed that sociology must rely on:

(A) Religious beliefs

(B) Theoretical conjectures

(C) Scientific methods and empirical data

(D) Political ideologies

(C) Scientific methods and empirical data

Explanation: Comte argued that sociology should be based on observable facts and scientific methods, not abstract reasoning or religious beliefs.

80. According to Comte, sociology is the science that:

(A) Focuses on individual psychological processes

(B) Studies the structure and change in social systems

(C) Focuses on social conflict and revolution

(D) Examines the workings of celestial bodies

(B) Studies the structure and change in social systems

Explanation: Sociology, according to Comte, should focus on understanding the structure of society and how it evolves over time.

81. Which of the following sciences does Comte place first in his hierarchy due to its simplicity and generality?

(A) Chemistry

(B) Sociology

(C) Astronomy

(D) Biology

(C) Astronomy

Explanation: Comte placed astronomy at the base of his hierarchy because it is the simplest and deals with the most general laws of the universe.

82. In Comte's view, which science deals with the laws of chemical composition and decomposition?

(A) Sociology

(B) Biology

(C) Chemistry

(D) Physics

(C) Chemistry

Explanation: Chemistry is concerned with the composition, structure, and properties of substances, as well as the changes they undergo.

83. Which science in Comte's hierarchy focuses on studying the behavior and dynamics of living organisms in their environment?

(A) Physics

(B) Chemistry

(C) Sociology

(D) Biology

(D) Biology

Explanation: Biology focuses on the study of living organisms, including their physiology, behavior, and interactions with the environment.

84. Comte’s hierarchy places which of the following sciences at the lowest level, with the simplest phenomena?

(A) Sociology

(B) Astronomy

(C) Chemistry

(D) Physics

(B) Astronomy

Explanation: Astronomy, being the study of celestial bodies and universal laws, deals with the most general and observable phenomena.

85. Which science in Comte’s hierarchy studies the fundamental laws of matter, energy, and their interactions?

(A) Sociology

(B) Physics

(C) Astronomy

(D) Chemistry

(B) Physics

Explanation: Physics studies the fundamental laws governing matter, energy, and their interactions, providing the foundation for understanding the physical world.

86. In the hierarchy of sciences, which science is responsible for understanding the forces governing both the natural world and social behavior?

(A) Sociology

(B) Physics

(C) Biology

(D) Chemistry

(A) Sociology

Explanation: Sociology is seen by Comte as the “crowning edifice” that synthesizes all other sciences to explain social life and human behavior.

87. Comte’s hierarchy of sciences indicates that sociology is:

(A) Completely independent of other sciences

(B) Based on abstract philosophical speculation

(C) Dependent on knowledge from the preceding sciences

(D) A purely theoretical discipline

(C) Dependent on knowledge from the preceding sciences

Explanation: Comte argued that sociology builds on knowledge from the natural sciences, which precede it in the hierarchy.

88. According to Comte, which of these sciences is most concerned with the study of celestial phenomena and laws of motion?

(A) Sociology

(B) Chemistry

(C) Physics

(D) Astronomy

(D) Astronomy

Explanation: Astronomy studies the laws governing celestial bodies, including their motions and properties.

89. In Comte’s hierarchy, which science is positioned between physics and chemistry?

(A) Sociology

(B) Biology

(C) Astronomy

(D) Mathematics

(B) Biology

Explanation: Biology is placed between physics and chemistry because it builds upon the understanding of physical laws while focusing on living organisms.

90. Comte’s positivism argues that sociology cannot be fully understood without a background in:

(A) Metaphysical reasoning

(B) The earlier sciences in the hierarchy

(C) Political theory

(D) Philosophical speculation

(B) The earlier sciences in the hierarchy

Explanation: Comte believed sociology must be studied in relation to the natural sciences, which provide the foundational knowledge.

91. Comte’s positivism emphasizes that the role of sociology is to:

(A) Focus on religious teachings

(B) Analyze the individual psyche

(C) Understand and improve society through scientific methods

(D) Promote political ideologies

(C) Understand and improve society through scientific methods

Explanation: Comte believed sociology’s primary role was to use scientific methods to understand and improve society.

92. Which of the following statements is true about Comte’s sociology?

(A) It focuses solely on individual behavior and psychology

(B) It is based on metaphysical speculation about society

(C) It relies on empirical observation and seeks social laws

(D) It ignores social structures in favor of abstract reasoning

(C) It relies on empirical observation and seeks social laws

Explanation: Comte’s sociology emphasizes the use of empirical data to identify laws governing social behavior.

93. Comte’s positivism laid the foundation for which sociological perspective?

(A) Conflict theory

(B) Functionalism

(C) Symbolic interactionism

(D) Feminist theory

(B) Functionalism

Explanation: Comte’s emphasis on social order and stability influenced the development of functionalism, which focuses on the ways that social structures function to maintain stability.

94. Comte’s idea of “social statics” refers to the study of:

(A) The dynamics of social change

(B) The structure of society and its stability

(C) The economic system

(D) The psychological aspects of social behavior

(B) The structure of society and its stability

Explanation: Social statics focuses on the study of social order and the structures that maintain stability in society.

95. Which of the following best describes Comte’s view of the relationship between sociology and other sciences?

(A) Sociology is independent of other sciences

(B) Sociology synthesizes knowledge from all the other sciences

(C) Sociology is based solely on philosophical speculation

(D) Sociology is more important than all other sciences

(B) Sociology synthesizes knowledge from all the other sciences

Explanation: Comte viewed sociology as the science that unites insights from all the other sciences to explain social phenomena.

96. Comte’s hierarchy of sciences indicates that:

(A) Sociology is unrelated to other sciences

(B) The more complex sciences depend on the simpler sciences

(C) All sciences evolve independently

(D) The most complex sciences are at the bottom

(B) The more complex sciences depend on the simpler sciences

Explanation: Comte’s hierarchy shows that more complex sciences, like sociology, depend on simpler sciences, such as mathematics and physics.

97. Comte’s positivism contributed to the development of sociology by:

(A) Focusing on metaphysical speculation

(B) Applying the scientific method to social phenomena

(C) Promoting religious doctrines

(D) Ignoring empirical data

(B) Applying the scientific method to social phenomena

Explanation: Comte’s positivism applied the scientific method to the study of social life, laying the foundation for sociology as a scientific discipline.

98. According to Comte, the role of mathematics in sociology is:

(A) To provide a method for analyzing social conflict

(B) To help measure and quantify social facts

(C) To replace empirical observation

(D) To focus on individual behavior

(B) To help measure and quantify social facts

Explanation: Comte believed that mathematics provides the tools necessary for measuring and analyzing social phenomena.

99. Comte’s positivism rejects which type of knowledge?

(A) Empirical data

(B) Metaphysical and theological knowledge

(C) Scientific reasoning

(D) Observation of social facts

(B) Metaphysical and theological knowledge

Explanation: Comte rejected metaphysical and theological explanations, advocating for a focus on observable and empirical facts.

100. Comte's positivism is most closely associated with which of the following?

(A) Abstract reasoning

(B) Religious interpretation of society

(C) Empirical observation and scientific methodology

(D) Political ideology

(C) Empirical observation and scientific methodology

Explanation: Comte’s positivism is centered around using empirical data and scientific methods to understand and explain society.