CHAPTER VI 

 COMTE'S LAWGIVING 



Its principles The separation of the temporal and spiritual powers 

 Political character of Comte's sociology Details Summary 



IT is not possible for us to give a detailed sketch 

 of the Positive Polity. One can only notice in the 

 briefest fashion how the superstructure answers to 

 the foundation laid, or how the threads that have 

 caught our attention are intertwined in the pattern of 

 the finished fabric. 



We have noted already the following points : the 

 law of the three stages, or the alleged movement 

 from superstition to science; the movement from 

 militarism to industrialism; the separation of the 

 spiritual and the temporal powers ; and the restric- 

 tion placed on the size of states. 



The third of these may need a word or two of 

 explanation or comment. Under Positivism the 

 separation of the spiritual and temporal powers is 

 very much a separation between men of theory and 

 men of action. By means of such a separation each 

 class is to develop its own especial excellences, and the 

 theories will be disinterested, while the practice will 

 be what ? it is hard to say, perhaps more perfectly 

 expert. Surely if any proposal deserves Comte's 



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