Auguste Comte coined the term "sociology." He was the first to suggest that a group of specially trained individuals should study how society was changing as a result of the Industrial Revolution. As a consequence of his eccentric behaviors, others eventually regarded Comte as a quack - especially after Comte suggested that the Pope abdicate and allow HIM to oversee all important matters.
Although Comte coined the term and was the first to suggest the need for this discipline (and is referred to as the "Father..." by some), most sociologists tend to think of Emile Durkheim as the father of sociology. Durkheim revived the discipline after the Comte debacle, and introduced the use of quantitative methodologies into the field.
Although Comte coined the term and was the first to suggest the need for this discipline (and is referred to as the "Father..." by some), most sociologists tend to think of Emile Durkheim as the father of sociology. Durkheim revived the discipline after the Comte debacle, and introduced the use of quantitative methodologies into the field.