Law of three stages

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The law of three stages is an idea developed by Auguste Comte. It states that knowledge of any subject always begins in theologic form, passes to the metaphysical form, and finally becomes positive.

The Theologic form refers to explanation by spirits, gods, etc. The Metaphysical form refers to explanation by abstract philosophical explanation. Positivity refers to scientific explanation based on observation, experiment, and comparison.

Also, there is a historical sequence of the sciences, with areas of knowledge passing through these stages in order of difficulty. The simplest and most remote become scientific first. These are followed by the more complex sciences, those considered closest to us.

The sciences, then, based on this law, developed in this order: Mathematics; Astronomy; Physics; Chemistry; Biology; Sociology

(Psychology was purposely excluded; Comte considered it too individualistic)