Comte 46-57

Conclusion: In a hierarchy of sciences, the simplest classification is that of the study of the phenomena of inorganic bodies as having greater facility to positive philosophy than the study of the of the phenomena of organic bodies. (p.52,53)

Premise 1: In order to get a positive categorization of sciences, one must determine its relevance in the comparison of "the various orders of phenomena." (p.51)

-That is to say, there is a hierarchy of sciences that can be determined by its importance in other sciences. (i.e. "the laws of astronomy influence those of all other phenomena, but the laws of other phenomena do not influence those of astronomy," [p.54] this is Comte's explanation of why astronomy is higher than terrestrial physics in the classifications)

Premise 2: This order is determined by the degree of simplicity of the phenomena concerned. (p.52)

Premise 3: The simplest phenomena are a priori also necessarily the most general, or least complicated by others.

-"For whatever is observed in the greatest number of cases is for that reason disengaged to the utmost degree from the circumstances peculiar to each separate case." (p.52)

Premise 4: We must begin, then, with the study of the most general or simple before proceeding to special or complex phenomena.

Premise 5: The first division of natural phenomena is between the study of the phenomena of inorganic bodies and the study of the phenomena of organic bodies.

-"A first glance at the aggregate of natural phenomena leads us to divide them at a start... into two great principle classes: the first... inorganic bodies, the second... organic bodies." (p.52)

Premise 6: The phenomena of organic bodies are more complex, and thus less general.

Premise 7: The phenomena of organic bodies are dependent upon the phenomena of inorganic bodies, and not the other way around.

Premise 8: There is no need to ask if the two classes of bodies (inorganic, organic) are of the same nature because it is not relevant to positive philosophy which does not study the nature of things. (p.53)