5+ Positivism Books for Free! [PDF]

This collection of free books on positivism is essential for those who study science and philosophy. Also for those who like to have a broad knowledge of general culture. Positivism, in its time, was crucial to orient reason towards the contribution of tangible solutions from science.

Our selection of positivism books in PDF format is about this topic that is framed in the scientific, philosophical, and political aspects of great relevance in the nineteenth century. Not to be confused with the term “positivism” which refers to an optimistic attitude towards life.

Positivism is defined as a philosophical, sociological, and political current that defends that all valid knowledge is that which comes from verifiable facts in reality and promotes the application of the scientific method daily, to deal with any matter of life.

The historical framework of positivism is quite complex. On the one hand, it is one of the phenomena that emerged as a consequence of the French Revolution, which triggered many political, economic, and social changes. In this sense, it began to study individuals and societies as objects.

In addition, it has its origins in the Enlightenment, a current of thought based on 18th-century Empiricism, led by David Hume. Empiricism had its foundation in the idea that all knowledge came from experience.

Take a look at this collection of more than 20 materials including books and articles on positivism in PDF format and support your research with reliable literature on the subject.

Positivism Books

#1 Introduction to positivist, interpretivism & critical theory

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Introduction to positivist, interpretivism & critical theory por The Open University is a concise overview of these three key research philosophies. It explains their historical context, core principles, and relevance, making it a valuable resource for understanding research paradigms.

#2 From Scientific Philosophy to Absolute Positivism – Abel Rey and the Vienna Circle

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From Scientific Philosophy to Absolute Positivism - Abel Rey and the Vienna Circle por Anastasios Brenner reveals the historical context of positivism and its influence on the Vienna Circle through the work of Abel Rey. Explore the roots of scientific philosophy and its evolution.

#3 A brief comparative analysis of positivism and subjectivism as philosophical approaches to research (Article)

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A brief comparative analysis of positivism and subjectivism as philosophical approaches to research (Article) por Kwaku Ayim Atta-Asiedu simplifies positivism and subjectivism for students. It argues for their complementarity, offering a balanced perspective on their use in research and highlighting criticisms.

#4 Positivism and Knowledge Inquiry – From Scientific Method to Media and Communication Research (Article)

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Positivism and Knowledge Inquiry - From Scientific Method to Media and Communication Research (Article) por Kizito Ogedi Alakwe examines the role of positivism in social sciences, particularly media and communication studies. It highlights the relationship between philosophy, scientific methods, and research methodologies in these fields.

#5 The Positivism Paradigm of Research (Article)

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The Positivism Paradigm of Research (Article) por Yoon Soo Park, Lars Konge and Anthony R. Artino Jr provides a concise overview of positivism, a research paradigm emphasizing objectivity and empirical evidence. This article is a valuable resource for researchers seeking to understand the principles and applications of positivism in scientific inqu...

Books by Auguste Comte and other Important Books on Positivism

Positivism, an influential philosophical and scientific current, has spawned several seminal books that have left a lasting mark on intellectual thought. 

These works have contributed to the understanding of positivism and its impact on a variety of fields.  Among the most important books on positivism are the writings of Auguste Comte, considered the founding father of this current.

Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of positivism through the work of Auguste Comte and other outstanding authors who have left an indelible mark on scientific thought.

#1 The Positive Philosophy

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The Positive Philosophy by Auguste Comte outlines the core tenets of positivism, emphasizing empirical observation and scientific methodology. This foundational work provides a valuable insight into Comte's sociological theories and his vision for societal progress.

#2 A General View Of Positivism

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A General View Of Positivism por Auguste Comte is a foundational text outlining the core principles of Positivism. Explore Comte's vision for a scientifically-grounded society, emphasizing social progress and human unity.

#3 System of Logic, Ratiocinative and Inductive

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System of Logic, Ratiocinative and Inductive explores the principles of evidence and scientific investigation. It offers a detailed analysis of logic and reasoning methods.

Articles on Positivism in the Social Sciences

Positivism has played a fundamental role in the development of the social sciences, establishing a scientific and objective approach to the study of society and human behavior.

Positivism, with its scientific and objective approach, has left a profound mark on the social sciences, transforming the way we understand and study social reality.

Disciplines such as sociology, anthropology, and economics benefit from this perspective, as it allows us to unravel the patterns and regularities that underlie social phenomena. Learn a little more with the following free articles on positivism in the social sciences.

#1 Positivism and Its Others in the Social Sciences

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Positivism and Its Others in the Social Sciences por George Steinmetz explores the diverse influences of positivism on contemporary human sciences, mapping epistemological similarities and differences across disciplines. This volume offers historical and comparative perspectives, inviting readers to critically examine the assumptions shaping social...

#2 Contextualism versus Positivism in Cross-Cultural Psychology

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Contextualism versus Positivism in Cross-Cultural Psychology by Carl Ratner analyzes and contrasts contextualism and positivism as theories shaping psychological conceptualization. This document is valuable for understanding the limitations of positivism in cross-cultural psychology and advocating for contextual approaches.

#3 Anthropology in Eastern Europe between positivism and constructivism

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Anthropology in Eastern Europe between positivism and constructivism by Marek Jakoubek examines the clash between positivist ethnology and constructivist anthropology using the case study of Czech identity in Bulgaria. It highlights the theoretical underpinnings and differing approaches to understanding social realities.

#4 Methodology of Social Sciences – Positivism, Anti-Positivism, and the Phenomenological Mediation

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Methodology of Social Sciences - Positivism, Anti-Positivism, and the Phenomenological Mediation por Koshy Tharakan explores the philosophical underpinnings of positivism and its critiques in social sciences. It argues for a phenomenological mediation between these approaches, offering a valuable perspective on integrating explanation and understan...

#5 Positivism And Statistics In Social Science

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Positivism And Statistics In Social Science by Russell Keat explores the role of positivism in shaping statistical methods within social sciences. It critically examines positivist views on scientific explanation, empirical observation, and the relationship between scientific knowledge and values, offering insights into debates surrounding the poss...

Articles on Positivism and Ethics

The relationship between positivism and ethics represents an attempt to establish a morality grounded in reason and science. Positivism, with its scientific and observation-based approach, seeks to establish ethical principles grounded in reason and empirical evidence.

Instead of basing ethics on abstract concepts or divinity, positivism proposes a more pragmatic and secular vision. The search for morality based on universal and measurable principles is one of the key contributions of positivism in the field of ethics.

If you want to learn more, enjoy the following free articles on positivism and ethics. And if you want to learn more about Ethics, we invite you to visit our complete section of free ethics books.

#1 Legal positivism and the real definition of law

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Legal positivism and the real definition of law por David Plunketta and Daniel Wodak explores the tension between aspirations to define law's nature and the reliance on modality/dependence in legal philosophy. It offers a new approach formulating positivism/antipositivism via real definitions, enriching contemporary jurisprudential debates.

#2 Positivism and the Inseparability of Law and Morals

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Positivism and the Inseparability of Law and Morals by Leslie Green dissects the debate around legal positivism, particularly the "separability thesis" concerning law and morals. This thought-provoking analysis challenges the traditional view, revealing crucial connections and inviting readers to reconsider the nature of law.

#3 The positivist theory of right and law and its moral implications in the contemporary world

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The positivist theory of right and law and its moral implications in the contemporary world por University of Makeni explores the tension between legal positivism and moral values. It offers critical insights into the philosophical foundations of law, urging readers to consider the ethical dimensions often overlooked.

#4 The Moral Dilemma Of Positivism

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The Moral Dilemma Of Positivism by Anthony D’Amato explores the complex relationship between legal positivism and morality. This paper delves into the challenges positivists face when addressing moral questions and encourages a critical look at the separation of law and morality.

#5 Ethics and mono-disciplinarity – positivism , informed consent and informed participation (Article)

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Ethics and mono-disciplinarity - positivism , informed consent and informed participation (Article) por M.A. Hersh and W.D. Tucker analyzes ethical dilemmas in research, particularly concerning informed consent and positivist pressures. It highlights the importance of ethical behavior in obtaining meaningful research results, making it valuable for...

Logical Positivism Books

Logical Positivism, also known as Logical Empiricism, is a philosophical current that emerged in Vienna in the early 20th century. It is characterized by its focus on empirical verification and its rejection of anything that cannot be verified by observation and experimentation.

Its approach and the importance of science and logic are still relevant today and have influenced various fields, including psychology, sociology, and science in general.

If you are interested in learning more about the subject, you will be happy to know that we have provided free logical positivism books and articles for you to download.

#1 The American Reception of Logical Positivism – First Encounters (1929-1932)

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The American Reception of Logical Positivism - First Encounters (1929-1932) by Sander Verhaegh reconstructs the initial assimilation of logical positivism in the US. It explores the philosophical landscape transformation influenced by figures like Schlick and Feigl.

#2 The Philosophy of Logical Positivism

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The Philosophy of Logical Positivism by Mauro Murzi offers a concise overview of the key tenets, history, and influential figures of this significant philosophical movement. It explores the verifiability principle, elimination of metaphysics, and the role of language in science, providing a valuable resource for understanding its enduring impact.

#3 The Scientific Conception of the World – The Vienna Circle

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The Scientific Conception of the World - The Vienna Circle por Hahn, H., Neurath, O., & Carnap, R presents the Vienna Circle's core tenets, emphasizing empiricism and logical analysis. It's a foundational document for understanding logical positivism's early development and influence.

#4 Logical Positivism and the Principle of Verification

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Logical Positivism and the Principle of Verification por John Aloysius Dinneen examines the core tenets of logical positivism, especially the principle of verification. This thesis critically analyzes the strengths and weaknesses of this influential philosophical movement.

#5 Logical positivism – basic ideas, implications and critique

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Logical positivism - basic ideas, implications and critique por Egyankosh explores the core tenets of logical positivism and its impact on the philosophy of science. This document provides a comprehensive overview of the movement's historical context and key figures, making it a valuable resource for understanding its significance.

#6 Post-Positivist Approaches To Research

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Post-Positivist Approaches To Research por Anne B. Ryan explores the philosophical underpinnings of post-positivist research, contrasting it with traditional positivism. It's a valuable resource for understanding alternative research paradigms and their implications for social inquiry.

#7 Positivism and post-positivism as the basis of quantitative research in pedagogy

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Positivism and post-positivism as the basis of quantitative research in pedagogy por Jelena Maksimovic and Jelena Evtimov provides an analysis of positivist and post-positivist paradigms in quantitative pedagogical research. Explore the strengths and limitations of these paradigms, offering valuable insights for researchers in the field.

#8 Logical positivism / logical empiricism (Article)

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Logical positivism / logical empiricism (Article) por Adam Caulton is a concise overview of the philosophical movement that shaped much of 20th-century thought. It covers key figures, doctrines, and the challenges that ultimately led to its decline, offering a valuable entry point for understanding its enduring influence.

#9 Philosophy and Logical Positivism (Article)

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Philosophy and Logical Positivism (Article) por Michele Marsonet presents a concise overview of logical positivism, highlighting its core tenets and historical context. It explores the movement's impact on philosophy and its relationship with science, making it a valuable resource for understanding this influential school of thought.

#10 Logical Positivist Conception of Knowledge and the Verification Principle – A Reflection (Article)

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Logical Positivist Conception of Knowledge and the Verification Principle - A Reflection (Article) por Ade-Ali and Funmilayo A. examines logical positivism's attack on metaphysics and its verification principle. It provides valuable insights into the debate surrounding meaningfulness, language, and the limits of empirical science.

Here ends our selection of free Positivism books in PDF format. We hope you liked it and already have your next book!

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