Which 19th-century philosopher believed that the world should be understood through scientific inquiry and method?

Auguste Comte is the philosopher who championed the idea that the world should be understood through scientific inquiry and method. He is often regarded as the father of sociology and advocated for a systematic approach to studying society. Comte introduced the concept of positivism, which posits that knowledge should be based on empirical observations and that the scientific method is the best approach for understanding human behavior and social phenomena. His work emphasized the importance of observation, experimentation, and the use of data to derive conclusions about the world, aligning with the principles of scientific inquiry.

In contrast, Francis Galton is known for his work in eugenics and statistics but did not focus specifically on the broader philosophical approach of understanding the world through systematic scientific inquiry. Lee Robins made significant contributions to psychological research and public health but is not primarily identified with the philosophical outlook of positivism. Hans Eysenck, although influential in psychology, particularly in personality theory, did not specifically advocate for a scientific method in the same way Comte did. Comte's emphasis on applying scientific methods to social sciences distinguishes him clearly in this context.