The Legacy of Positivism

MICHAEL SINGER holds degrees in mathematics (M.A., Cambridge University, and Ph.D., London University) and law (J.D., Stanford University). He has been a member of university faculties and published extensively in both mathematics and law. Since 1999 he has been a Senior Research Fellow at the School of Law, King's College London.

It shows how epistemological shifts in positivism influenced parallel developments in the human and legal sciences, and thereby treats legal positivism and positivism as it is understood in the human sciences within a common framework.This book gives a unique historical and interpretive analysis of a widely pervasive mode of thought that it describes as the legacy of positivism. Viewing Auguste Comte as a pivotal figure, it charts the historical origins of his positivism and follows its later development through John Stuart Mill and Émile Littré. It shows how epistemological shifts in positivism influenced parallel developments in the human and legal sciences, and thereby treats legal positivism and positivism as it is understood in the human sciences within a common framework.