What did Comte believe about the nature of science?

Comte's belief about the nature of science is correctly captured in the understanding that it must be rooted in empirical observation. He was a foundational figure in the development of positivism, a philosophical system that asserts that all meaningful statements are either a priori propositions or empirically verifiable. Comte argued that knowledge should emerge from observable phenomena, and he emphasized the importance of scientific methods that rely on observable data and experimentation, as opposed to mere speculation or metaphysical considerations. This view laid the groundwork for modern scientific inquiry, emphasizing that valid knowledge comes from systematic observation and the collection of empirical data. By prioritizing empirical evidence, Comte distinguished science from other forms of knowledge, such as those based on personal beliefs, philosophy, or mysticism.