The neurosociology of Auguste Comte. (June 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: McVeigh, Ryan
• Is Part Of: Social science information. Volume 59:Number 2(2020:Jun.)
• Page Start: 329
• Page End: 354
• Publication Date: 2020-06
• Subjects: Auguste Comte -- cognition -- neurosociology -- phrenology -- sociology; Auguste Compte -- cognition -- neurosciences sociales -- phrénologie -- sociologie; Social sciences -- Periodicals; Social history -- Periodicals; Technology and civilization -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 300.5
• DOI: 10.1177/0539018420922759
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0539-0184

Abstract

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.