Classical Idealism to Positivism.docx The Transformation from Classical Idealism to Pos

Classical Idealism to Positivism.docx    The Transformation from Classical Idealism to Positivism   One theory that was very controversial in sociology was the theory of knowledge, as it was developed over a period of time by several sociologists. By the end of the 19th century, three philosophies regarding the theory of knowledge had been created; idealism, empiricism and positivism. These philosophies made major contributions to social thought and social theory as a whole. In this paper I will discuss Socrates and Platos philosophy of Classical Idealism, Hegels philosophy of Idealistic Philosophy, Aristotles philosophy of Empiricism, and Comtes philosophy of Positivism.  Classical Idealism was the first concept of knowledge introduced into society in 480 B.C. by Socrates and Plato. In this view, it was believed that examining existence by a means of theoretical activity was the most important task of philosophy. Therefore, inquiring by observation or logical reasoning was not viewed as favourable methods. Socrates and Plato established principles of thought which instructed the means by which one would investigate concepts beyond the outside world. In the tradition of philosophic idealism, philosophy essentially governed this concept of knowledge as it was commonly believed that reality was nothing more than what could be concluded by senses and sense perception of physical reality. However, by 430 B.C., Socrates brought forward an idealistic doctrine stating that there was a greater purpose and meaning to exi