Positivism is a philosophical theory that emphasizes the importance of observable phenomena and empirical evidence. It asserts that knowledge should be based on scientific methods and facts rather than speculation or metaphysics. This approach seeks to understand the world through data and experimentation, focusing on what can be measured and verified. The movement originated in the early 19th century, primarily associated with the work of Auguste Comte, who is often regarded as the father of positivism. Comte believed that human knowledge progresses through three stages: theological, metaphysical, and finally, the positive stage, where science and rationality dominate understanding.