STPGT-Sociology_Auguste Comte: Law of Three Stages

Model MCQ's Auguste Comte

Auguste Comte: Law of Three Stages

1. Who developed the "Law of Three Stages"?

(A) Karl Marx

(B) Emile Durkheim

(C) Auguste Comte

(D) Herbert Spencer

(C) Auguste Comte

Explanation: Comte introduced the "Law of Three Stages" to describe the evolution of human thought.

2. In which stage does human thought rely on supernatural explanations?

(A) Theological

(B) Metaphysical

(C) Scientific

(D) None of the above

(A) Theological

Explanation: The theological stage attributes phenomena to divine or supernatural causes.

3. Which stage is characterized by abstract reasoning and philosophical speculation?

(A) Theological

(B) Metaphysical

(C) Scientific

(D) None of the above

(B) Metaphysical

Explanation: The metaphysical stage involves abstract concepts and rational thought.

4. In which stage does observation and empirical evidence dominate?

(A) Theological

(B) Metaphysical

(C) Scientific

(D) None of the above

(C) Scientific

Explanation: The scientific stage emphasizes observation and empirical data.

5. Which of the following is not a sub-stage of the theological stage?

(A) Fetishism

(B) Polytheism

(C) Monotheism

(D) Rationalism

(D) Rationalism

Explanation: Rationalism is associated with the metaphysical stage, not the theological stage.

6. In the metaphysical stage, explanations are based on:

(A) Supernatural beings

(B) Abstract concepts

(C) Empirical evidence

(D) None of the above

(B) Abstract concepts

Explanation: The metaphysical stage relies on abstract reasoning and philosophical ideas.

7. Comte's "positivism" emphasizes:

(A) Supernatural explanations

(B) Abstract reasoning

(C) Empirical observation

(D) None of the above

(C) Empirical observation

Explanation: Positivism advocates for knowledge derived from sensory experience and empirical evidence.

8. In the scientific stage, society is governed by:

(A) Priests

(B) Military leaders

(C) Scientists and industrial administrators

(D) None of the above

(C) Scientists and industrial administrators

Explanation: The scientific stage is characterized by governance based on scientific knowledge and industrial expertise.

9. Comte's hierarchy of sciences places sociology at the:

(A) Bottom

(B) Middle

(C) Top

(D) None of the above

(C) Top

Explanation: Sociology is considered the most complex science in Comte's hierarchy.

10. The transition from the theological to the metaphysical stage is marked by:

(A) A shift from divine explanations to abstract reasoning

(B) A decline in religious influence

(C) An increase in scientific inquiry

(D) None of the above

(A) A shift from divine explanations to abstract reasoning

Explanation: This transition reflects a move from supernatural to abstract philosophical explanations.

11. Fetishism in the theological stage involves:

(A) Worship of inanimate objects

(B) Belief in multiple gods

(C) Belief in one god

(D) None of the above

(A) Worship of inanimate objects

Explanation: Fetishism attributes spiritual essence to inanimate objects.

12. Polytheism is characterized by:

(A) Belief in one god

(B) Belief in multiple gods

(C) Worship of inanimate objects

(D) None of the above

(B) Belief in multiple gods

Explanation: Polytheism involves the worship of multiple deities.

13. Monotheism involves:

(A) Belief in multiple gods

(B) Belief in one god

(C) Worship of inanimate objects

(D) None of the above

(B) Belief in one god

Explanation: Monotheism is the belief in a single, all-powerful deity.

14. In the theological stage, explanations for natural phenomena are:

(A) Based on empirical evidence

(B) Based on abstract reasoning

(C) Attributed to divine beings

(D) None of the above

(C) Attributed to divine beings

Explanation: Theological explanations involve attributing events to the will of gods or supernatural forces.

15. The theological stage corresponds to which period in human history?

(A) Early human societies

(B) The Renaissance

(C) The Enlightenment

(D) None of the above

(A) Early human societies

Explanation: Theological thinking predominated in early human societies.

16. In the theological stage, societal norms are often:

(A) Based on scientific reasoning

(B) Derived from religious doctrines

(C) Based on empirical evidence

(D) None of the above

(B) Derived from religious doctrines

Explanation: Religious beliefs heavily influenced societal norms during the theological stage.

17. Comte viewed the theological stage as:

(A) The final stage of human thought

(B) A necessary starting point

(C) A stage to be avoided

(D) None of the above

(B) A necessary starting point

Explanation: Comte believed the theological stage was essential for the development of human thought.

18. In the theological stage, the role of priests is to:

(A) Govern society

(B) Explain natural phenomena

(C) Mediate between humans and gods

(D) None of the above

(C) Mediate between humans and gods

Explanation: Priests serve as intermediaries between the divine and human realms.

19. Theological explanations are often:

(A) Empirical

(B) Abstract

(C) Supernatural

(D) None of the above

(C) Supernatural

Explanation: Theological explanations involve supernatural causes and entities.

20. In the theological stage, the focus of inquiry is on:

(A) Natural laws

(B) Divine will

(C) Abstract concepts

(D) None of the above

(B) Divine will

Explanation: Theological inquiry centers on understanding the will of gods or supernatural forces.

21. The metaphysical stage is characterized by:

(A) Belief in multiple gods

(B) Abstract reasoning and philosophical speculation

(C) Worship of inanimate objects

(D) None of the above

(B) Abstract reasoning and philosophical speculation

Explanation: The metaphysical stage involves abstract thought and philosophical inquiry.

22. In the metaphysical stage, explanations are based on:

(A) Supernatural beings

(B) Abstract concepts

(C) Empirical evidence

(D) None of the above

(B) Abstract concepts

Explanation: The metaphysical stage relies on abstract reasoning and philosophical ideas.

23. The metaphysical stage serves as a:

(A) Final stage of development

(B) Transitional phase between theological and scientific stages

(C) Stage of scientific inquiry

(D) None of the above

(B) Transitional phase between theological and scientific stages

Explanation: The metaphysical stage bridges the gap between theological beliefs and scientific reasoning.

24. In the metaphysical stage, society seeks:

(A) Divine intervention

(B) Abstract truths and essences

(C) Scientific laws

(D) None of the above

(B) Abstract truths and essences

Explanation: The metaphysical stage involves seeking understanding through abstract concepts.

25. Comte viewed the metaphysical stage as:

(A) A necessary progression from the theological stage

(B) The most advanced stage

(C) A stage to be avoided

(D) None of the above

(A) A necessary progression from the theological stage

Explanation: Comte believed that the metaphysical stage was a necessary transition before moving to scientific reasoning.

26. The metaphysical stage corresponds to which phase in individual development?

(A) Childhood

(B) Adolescence

(C) Adulthood

(D) None of the above

(B) Adolescence

Explanation: The metaphysical stage is linked with the questioning and abstract thinking often seen in adolescence.

27. In the metaphysical stage, societal norms are often:

(A) Based on scientific reasoning

(B) Derived from abstract philosophical concepts

(C) Based on empirical evidence

(D) None of the above

(B) Derived from abstract philosophical concepts

Explanation: The metaphysical stage often involves the adoption of abstract philosophical frameworks for understanding society.

28. Which of the following best describes the metaphysical stage?

(A) Focused on the material world

(B) Based on logic and reason

(C) Focused on abstract concepts and philosophical reasoning

(D) Based on empirical data and experiments

(C) Focused on abstract concepts and philosophical reasoning

Explanation: The metaphysical stage is characterized by philosophical speculation rather than empirical observation.

29. In Comte’s view, the shift to the scientific stage occurs when:

(A) Society moves away from religious beliefs

(B) Humans start relying on sensory experience and observation

(C) Abstract reasoning replaces scientific inquiry

(D) None of the above

(B) Humans start relying on sensory experience and observation

Explanation: The scientific stage is characterized by a focus on observation and empirical data.

30. What marks the beginning of the Scientific Stage?

(A) The Industrial Revolution

(B) The Renaissance

(C) The Enlightenment

(D) The shift towards abstract reasoning

(A) The Industrial Revolution

Explanation: The Industrial Revolution marked a significant shift towards scientific and technological advancements, signaling the beginning of the Scientific Stage.

31. The Scientific Stage emphasizes:

(A) The use of supernatural explanations

(B) The use of empirical and scientific methods

(C) Philosophical speculation

(D) Theological doctrines

(B) The use of empirical and scientific methods

Explanation: The scientific stage is centered on observation, experimentation, and empirical validation.

32. In the Scientific Stage, which of the following plays a key role in societal progress?

(A) Priests

(B) Politicians

(C) Scientists and industrial leaders

(D) Religious leaders

(C) Scientists and industrial leaders

Explanation: Comte argued that the scientific and industrial sectors lead society in the Scientific Stage.

33. What does Comte believe the scientific stage leads to in society?

(A) Greater religious devotion

(B) Scientific progress and rational order

(C) Return to supernatural explanations

(D) Complete social breakdown

(B) Scientific progress and rational order

Explanation: Comte saw the scientific stage as the means by which society could achieve rational order through scientific principles.

34. In the Scientific Stage, societal knowledge is governed by:

(A) Religious scriptures

(B) Scientific laws and empirical data

(C) Abstract philosophical concepts

(D) None of the above

(B) Scientific laws and empirical data

Explanation: The Scientific Stage prioritizes empirical data and scientific principles as the basis for understanding society.

35. Comte believed that society in the Scientific Stage should focus on:

(A) Strengthening religious doctrines

(B) Material wealth accumulation

(C) Understanding natural and social laws

(D) Spiritual development

(C) Understanding natural and social laws

Explanation: Comte argued that the focus should be on understanding the laws governing nature and society through scientific inquiry.

36. Comte’s positivism rejected which of the following ideas?

(A) Scientific reasoning

(B) Empirical observation

(C) The pursuit of metaphysical knowledge

(D) Social order

(C) The pursuit of metaphysical knowledge

Explanation: Positivism focuses on observable, empirical knowledge and rejects speculative metaphysics.

37. Comte’s view of sociology is that it is a science of:

(A) Philosophical speculation

(B) Religious doctrine

(C) Social order and societal development

(D) Economic systems

(C) Social order and societal development

Explanation: Sociology, in Comte’s view, should study how societies develop and maintain order based on scientific principles.

38. In the Scientific Stage, human thought moves away from:

(A) Rational thinking

(B) Empirical observation

(C) Religious explanations

(D) None of the above

(C) Religious explanations

Explanation: The Scientific Stage marks a break from religious explanations, focusing on empirical observation and science.

39. Comte believed that the ultimate goal of sociology was:

(A) To develop a philosophy of life

(B) To establish scientific laws of social behavior

(C) To promote religious teachings

(D) To understand the metaphysical causes of human events

(B) To establish scientific laws of social behavior

Explanation: Comte sought to use scientific methods to understand and establish laws governing human social behavior.

40. Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of the Scientific Stage?

(A) Observation and experimentation

(B) The use of empirical data

(C) The rejection of metaphysical explanations

(D) The use of supernatural causes

(D) The use of supernatural causes

Explanation: The Scientific Stage is marked by the rejection of supernatural explanations in favor of scientific reasoning.

41. The focus of positivism is:

(A) Abstract philosophical reasoning

(B) Empirical observation and scientific understanding

(C) Religious explanations of social phenomena

(D) Speculative metaphysics

(B) Empirical observation and scientific understanding

Explanation: Positivism emphasizes observable, scientific knowledge.

42. The social reform Comte envisioned during the Scientific Stage was:

(A) Political revolution

(B) The establishment of a scientific priesthood

(C) Return to religious teachings

(D) Industrial capitalism

(B) The establishment of a scientific priesthood

Explanation: Comte imagined a society where intellectuals, or a "scientific priesthood," would guide society based on scientific knowledge.

43. Comte’s hierarchy of the sciences placed sociology at the:

(A) Top

(B) Bottom

(C) Middle

(D) None of the above

(A) Top

Explanation: Comte placed sociology at the top of the hierarchy of sciences due to its complexity and importance.

44. Comte's Law of Three Stages correlates with the evolution of:

(A) Industrial technology

(B) Human knowledge and thought

(C) Political systems

(D) Economic development

(B) Human knowledge and thought

Explanation: The Law of Three Stages is a model for understanding the development of human knowledge and thought.

45. The shift from the metaphysical to the scientific stage is facilitated by:

(A) The development of new philosophical ideas

(B) The invention of new technologies

(C) The rejection of abstract reasoning

(D) The rise of religious influence

(B) The invention of new technologies

Explanation: Technological advancements, particularly in the Industrial Revolution, helped usher in the Scientific Stage.

46. Comte’s sociology was designed to be:

(A) A system of philosophical reflection

(B) A guide for political revolution

(C) A science based on empirical observation

(D) A theological system of ethics

(C) A science based on empirical observation

Explanation: Comte sought to develop sociology as a science, grounded in empirical data and observation.

47. Comte’s concept of "social statics" refers to:

(A) The study of social change

(B) The study of social order and stability

(C) The study of individual behavior

(D) The study of economic systems

(B) The study of social order and stability

Explanation: Social statics involves the study of the structures and forces that maintain social order.

48. Comte’s concept of "social dynamics" refers to:

(A) The study of social norms

(B) The study of social change and development

(C) The study of social conflict

(D) The study of philosophical ideologies

(B) The study of social change and development

Explanation: Social dynamics is the study of how societies change and evolve over time.

49. Comte believed that society progressed through three stages of knowledge. These stages are:

(A) Theological, Metaphysical, Scientific

(B) Primitive, Modern, Advanced

(C) Industrial, Agricultural, Technological

(D) Rational, Emotional, Scientific

(A) Theological, Metaphysical, Scientific

Explanation: The stages represent the evolution of human thought, starting with divine explanations and advancing to scientific reasoning.

50. Comte argued that sociology could be based on:

(A) Personal belief systems

(B) Theoretical conjectures

(C) Empirical observation and scientific method

(D) Political ideologies

(C) Empirical observation and scientific method

Explanation: Comte emphasized that sociology should rely on systematic observation and scientific methods, not abstract theory.

51. Which of the following did Comte NOT believe sociology should focus on?

(A) Empirical observation of social facts

(B) Philosophical speculation

(C) The analysis of social order

(D) The development of social laws

(B) Philosophical speculation

Explanation: Comte's sociology was based on empirical data, not speculative philosophy.

52. Comte’s view of social change emphasized:

(A) Rapid, violent revolution

(B) Slow, evolutionary change

(C) Complete societal breakdown

(D) Static stability

(B) Slow, evolutionary change

Explanation: Comte believed social change occurred gradually through scientific understanding.

53. In Comte’s theory, which stage involves humans relying on observation and experiments?

(A) Theological

(B) Metaphysical

(C) Scientific

(D) None of the above

(C) Scientific

Explanation: The scientific stage emphasizes the use of observation, experiments, and empirical data to understand society.

54. Which stage of human thought does Comte consider the most advanced?

(A) Theological

(B) Metaphysical

(C) Scientific

(D) Rational

(C) Scientific

Explanation: Comte considered the scientific stage to be the highest form of intellectual development.

55. In Comte’s hierarchy of sciences, sociology is placed at the:

(A) Top

(B) Bottom

(C) Middle

(D) None of the above

(A) Top

Explanation: Sociology, according to Comte, was the most complex and advanced science, given its focus on human society.

56. Comte believed that each stage of human thought was:

(A) Independent of the others

(B) A necessary progression from the previous stage

(C) A random process

(D) None of the above

(B) A necessary progression from the previous stage

Explanation: Comte saw the development of human thought as a linear, progressive process, where each stage naturally followed from the last.

57. The transition from the metaphysical to the scientific stage was facilitated by:

(A) Technological advancements

(B) Political revolution

(C) Religious revival

(D) None of the above

(A) Technological advancements

Explanation: Technological progress, particularly during the Industrial Revolution, played a key role in advancing to the scientific stage.

58. Comte’s social order was characterized by:

(A) Strict religious governance

(B) Scientific management and rational control

(C) Political upheaval

(D) Totalitarian rule

(B) Scientific management and rational control

Explanation: Comte envisioned a society governed by scientific principles and rational management.

59. Comte believed that society should move away from:

(A) Scientific thinking

(B) Theological explanations

(C) Social welfare systems

(D) Political freedom

(B) Theological explanations

Explanation: Comte argued that theological explanations were outdated and should be replaced by scientific understanding.

60. In Comte’s ideal society, the role of religion would be:

(A) Completely abolished

(B) Subordinate to scientific knowledge

(C) The foundation of all knowledge

(D) None of the above

(B) Subordinate to scientific knowledge

Explanation: While Comte did not advocate for the complete abolition of religion, he believed scientific knowledge should take precedence.

61. Which of the following critiques is leveled against Comte's positivism?

(A) It emphasizes abstract philosophical reasoning

(B) It dismisses the importance of empirical evidence

(C) It overlooks moral and ethical questions

(D) It advocates for theological explanations

(C) It overlooks moral and ethical questions

Explanation: Critics argue that positivism, with its focus on empirical data, neglects ethical and moral considerations in social sciences.

62. Comte's positivism is often contrasted with which other philosophical school?

(A) Empiricism

(B) Idealism

(C) Rationalism

(D) Marxism

(D) Marxism

Explanation: While Comte focused on empirical observation and social order, Marxism emphasizes economic conflict and class struggle.

63. Which of the following did Comte view as a necessary element of social progress?

(A) Revolution

(B) Ethical development

(C) Technological innovation

(D) Religious renewal

(B) Ethical development

Explanation: Comte believed social progress would involve not just scientific advancement, but also the improvement of moral and ethical standards.

64. Comte’s theory of sociology is primarily concerned with:

(A) Social conflict

(B) The structure of society

(C) Social evolution and progress

(D) The role of economics in society

(C) Social evolution and progress

Explanation: Comte focused on the evolution of society and its eventual progression through the scientific stage.

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

(A) Be grounded in abstract speculation

(B) Be based on religious teachings

(C) Rely on empirical evidence and data

(D) Focus on political ideology

(C) Rely on empirical evidence and data

Explanation: Comte believed sociology should be a scientific discipline grounded in observable facts.

66. Comte’s theory has been critiqued for:

(A) Being too philosophical

(B) Over-emphasizing the importance of religion

(C) Ignoring the role of individual agency

(D) None of the above

(C) Ignoring the role of individual agency

Explanation: Critics argue that Comte’s focus on social laws overlooked the agency of individuals in shaping society.

67. Which of the following did Comte believe was a key role of sociology in society?

(A) To promote political revolutions

(B) To study the natural world

(C) To establish social laws

(D) To reinforce religious authority

(C) To establish social laws

Explanation: Comte saw sociology as the discipline that could uncover the laws governing society.

68. Comte’s view of social change was best described as:

(A) Rapid and revolutionary

(B) Gradual and evolutionary

(C) Static and unchanging

(D) Chaotic and unpredictable

(B) Gradual and evolutionary

Explanation: Comte believed that social change occurred slowly and systematically, through an evolution of thought.

69. Which of the following best describes Comte's view on the future of society?

(A) A return to religious ideals

(B) A perfect utopian society through scientific management

(C) An ongoing struggle between the classes

(D) None of the above

(B) A perfect utopian society through scientific management

Explanation: Comte envisioned a society governed by scientific principles that would lead to harmony and progress.

70. Comte’s positivism aligns with which of the following philosophical movements?

(A) Idealism

(B) Empiricism

(C) Existentialism

(D) Rationalism

(B) Empiricism

Explanation: Positivism is rooted in empiricism, emphasizing knowledge derived from sensory experience and observation.

71. Comte's concept of "sociology" was first coined as a term in:

(A) 1810

(B) 1838

(C) 1871

(D) 1923

(B) 1838

Explanation: Comte coined the term "sociology" in the early 19th century, establishing it as a distinct discipline.

72. Comte believed the scientific stage would ultimately lead to:

(A) Technological domination

(B) Spiritual revival

(C) Moral and ethical progress

(D) Political revolution

(C) Moral and ethical progress

Explanation: Comte thought the scientific stage would guide society toward moral and ethical advancements.

73. Comte’s sociological theory is most associated with:

(A) Structuralism

(B) Conflict theory

(C) Functionalism

(D) Postmodernism

(C) Functionalism

Explanation: Comte is considered a forerunner of functionalist theory, focusing on how different parts of society work together to maintain stability.

74. Comte’s Law of Three Stages was primarily concerned with:

(A) Technological advancements

(B) The evolution of human thought and knowledge

(C) Political governance

(D) The rise of industrialism

(B) The evolution of human thought and knowledge

Explanation: The Law of Three Stages describes how human thought evolved, from supernatural to scientific reasoning.

75. Which of the following thinkers did Comte influence the most in the development of sociology?

(A) Max Weber

(B) Karl Marx

(C) Emile Durkheim

(D) Sigmund Freud

(C) Emile Durkheim

Explanation: Durkheim, a founding figure in sociology, was heavily influenced by Comte’s ideas on the scientific study of society.

76. In Comte’s view, scientific sociology is crucial for:

(A) Developing universal moral codes

(B) Understanding the behavior of individuals

(C) Analyzing social phenomena through scientific methods

(D) Creating political revolutions

(C) Analyzing social phenomena through scientific methods

Explanation: Comte believed sociology should be studied scientifically, using observation and empirical data.

77. Comte's sociology focused primarily on:

(A) Social change

(B) Social order and stability

(C) Economic conditions

(D) Political structures

(B) Social order and stability

Explanation: Comte was interested in understanding how societies maintain social order and cohesion.

78. In Comte’s model, which science is the foundation of all others?

(A) Astronomy

(B) Sociology

(C) Physics

(D) Chemistry

(B) Sociology

Explanation: Comte placed sociology at the top of the scientific hierarchy, arguing it was the most complex and needed for understanding society.

79. Comte viewed social order as:

(A) Dependent on individual actions

(B) A result of religious beliefs

(C) A product of scientific principles and societal laws

(D) Random and unpredictable

(C) A product of scientific principles and societal laws

Explanation: Comte believed social order was maintained through scientific understanding and laws governing social behavior.

80. According to Comte, sociology should be used to:

(A) Promote religious ideologies

(B) Formulate laws of social behavior

(C) Encourage political change

(D) Develop technological advancements

(B) Formulate laws of social behavior

Explanation: Comte saw sociology as a tool to discover laws that could govern human behavior and improve society.

81. The main limitation of Comte’s positivism is that it:

(A) Focuses too much on abstract concepts

(B) Overlooks the individual’s role in society

(C) Rejects empirical data

(D) Focuses too much on metaphysical explanations

(B) Overlooks the individual’s role in society

Explanation: Comte’s positivism tends to overlook individual agency in favor of studying society as a whole.

82. Which of the following does Comte’s positivism focus on?

(A) Human emotions

(B) The observation of social facts

(C) The study of economic systems

(D) Religious beliefs

(B) The observation of social facts

Explanation: Comte emphasized the importance of observing social phenomena scientifically to develop general laws.

83. In Comte’s framework, which of the following best describes the transition from the metaphysical to the scientific stage?

(A) A gradual shift from religious to abstract thinking

(B) A philosophical revolution

(C) The rise of individual freedoms

(D) A shift from theological to scientific reasoning

(D) A shift from theological to scientific reasoning

Explanation: The transition from the metaphysical to the scientific stage is marked by a reliance on observation and data rather than abstract reasoning.

84. Which concept did Comte believe should guide society in the Scientific Stage?

(A) Philosophy

(B) Religion

(C) Scientific laws

(D) Political theory

(C) Scientific laws

Explanation: In the Scientific Stage, Comte believed society should be guided by objective, scientific laws.

85. Comte’s notion of social change is best described as:

(A) Chaotic and random

(B) Progressive and orderly

(C) Driven by conflict

(D) Unpredictable and fast

(B) Progressive and orderly

Explanation: Comte envisioned social change as a slow, orderly progression driven by scientific understanding.

86. Comte’s Law of Three Stages applied to:

(A) Economic systems

(B) Technological progress

(C) The development of human knowledge and thought

(D) Political governance

(C) The development of human knowledge and thought

Explanation: The Law of Three Stages describes how human thought evolved from theological to metaphysical and finally scientific reasoning.

87. Which of the following thinkers was influenced by Comte’s ideas on sociology?

(A) Sigmund Freud

(B) Max Weber

(C) Karl Marx

(D) Emile Durkheim

(D) Emile Durkheim

Explanation: Durkheim was heavily influenced by Comte, particularly regarding the study of society as a science.

88. In Comte’s sociological theory, the role of the individual is:

(A) Central and important in shaping society

(B) Less important than the collective social order

(C) Ignored

(D) Based on personal freedom

(B) Less important than the collective social order

Explanation: Comte’s sociology focused more on social structures and collective forces than individual actions.

89. Comte believed that after the Scientific Stage, society would focus on:

(A) Technology

(B) Moral and ethical development

(C) Political revolution

(D) Religious revival

(B) Moral and ethical development

Explanation: Comte thought that once scientific understanding took hold, society would focus on ethical and moral progress.

90. Comte’s sociological methodology was based primarily on:

(A) Theoretical abstraction

(B) Observational and empirical research

(C) Political ideologies

(D) Religious doctrines

(B) Observational and empirical research

Explanation: Comte emphasized observation and empirical data as the foundation for sociological research.

91. Which of the following would Comte have likely considered a fundamental social law?

(A) The law of supply and demand

(B) The law of cause and effect in social events

(C) The law of divine intervention

(D) The law of historical materialism

(B) The law of cause and effect in social events

Explanation: Comte believed that societal events followed predictable laws, such as cause and effect.

92. Comte’s hierarchy of the sciences placed sociology above:

(A) Chemistry

(B) Astronomy

(C) Biology

(D) Physics

(A) Chemistry

Explanation: Comte believed sociology was the most complex science and should be at the top of the hierarchy.

93. Which of the following stages involves reliance on observation and facts?

(A) Theological Stage

(B) Metaphysical Stage

(C) Scientific Stage

(D) None of the above

(C) Scientific Stage

Explanation: The scientific stage involves understanding through empirical observation and facts.

94. Which sub-stage of the Theological Stage involves belief in one god?

(A) Fetishism

(B) Polytheism

(C) Monotheism

(D) None of the above

(C) Monotheism

Explanation: Monotheism is the belief in one god, marking the most advanced sub-stage in the theological phase.

95. Comte’s Law of Three Stages is a theory of:

(A) The development of political systems

(B) The development of social institutions

(C) The evolution of human thought

(D) None of the above

(C) The evolution of human thought

Explanation: The Law of Three Stages describes how human thought progresses from theological to metaphysical and then scientific stages.

96. Which of the following is true about Comte’s positivism?

(A) It was primarily concerned with abstract philosophical ideas

(B) It dismissed the role of empirical evidence

(C) It focused on observable facts and scientific reasoning

(D) It was based on theological doctrines

(C) It focused on observable facts and scientific reasoning

Explanation: Positivism is centered on the idea that knowledge must come from observable, empirical facts.

97. Comte believed the ultimate goal of sociology was to:

(A) Analyze individual behavior

(B) Establish laws governing social phenomena

(C) Promote political ideologies

(D) Study religious beliefs

(B) Establish laws governing social phenomena

Explanation: Comte’s ultimate goal for sociology was to uncover laws that govern society.

98. Comte's positivism is most closely associated with which type of knowledge?

(A) Theological knowledge

(B) Abstract reasoning

(C) Empirical knowledge

(D) None of the above

(C) Empirical knowledge

Explanation: Comte's positivism emphasizes knowledge derived from observation and empirical data.

99. According to Comte, sociology should be used to:

(A) Govern the state

(B) Understand social dynamics and develop laws

(C) Promote religious teachings

(D) Support capitalist economies

(B) Understand social dynamics and develop laws

Explanation: Comte believed sociology could be used to understand and regulate societal dynamics scientifically.

100. Comte’s positivism is best characterized as:

(A) A speculative theory of society

(B) A rejection of scientific methods

(C) A focus on observable social facts and empirical data

(D) None of the above

(C) A focus on observable social facts and empirical data

Explanation: Positivism is based on the idea that knowledge must come from observable, empirical facts.