Auguste Comte: Volume 2
An Intellectual Biography

This volume explores the life and works of Auguste Comte from 1842 to 1852, when he transformed his philosophy into a religious and political movement.

Mary Pickering (Author)

9780521513258, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 14 September 2009

652 pages
23.6 x 16 x 3.5 cm, 1 kg

'Mary Pickering's monumental intellectual biography is … vigorous and accomplished …' The Times Literary Supplement

This volume begins to explore the life and works of Auguste Comte during his so-called second career, the controversial period that began in 1842 and lasted until his death. This volume covers the years from 1842 to 1852, when Comte transformed his positive philosophy into a political and religious movement. It represents the first in-depth study of that movement. Focusing on key books, such as the Discours sur l'ensemble du positivisme, Mary Pickering connects Comte's intellectual development to the tumultuous historical context and to episodes in his personal life, especially his famous relationship with Clotilde de Vaux. The book examines for the first time why workers, doctors, women, and famous writers, such as John Stuart Mill, George Henry Lewes, and Emile Littré, were drawn to his thought.

Introduction
1. 1843–1844: the battle against the pedantocracy
2. Tensions in Comte's relationships, 1842–1846
3. Clotilde de Vaux and the initial encounter with Comte
4. The muse's tragic end
5. Pain and recognition
6. The revolution of 1848
7. Discours sur l'ensemble du positivisme
8. Personal and professional disappointments
9. The early development of the Religion of Humanity
10. The development of the Positivist Movement
Concluding remarks.

Subject Areas: Sociology [JHB], History of ideas [JFCX], Modern history to 20th century: c 1700 to c 1900 [HBLL], European history [HBJD]