Step 1: Introduction to Comte's Law of Three Stages:
Auguste Comte, a sociologist, formulated the "Law of Three Stages" to explain societal and intellectual development. He posited that both society and individual sciences progress through three distinct stages of thought.
Step 2: Defining the Stages and Their Sequence:
The three stages, presented chronologically, are:
The Theological Stage: This initial stage attributes natural and social phenomena to supernatural entities. It is the earliest stage and corresponds to (B).
The Metaphysical Stage: This transitional stage utilizes abstract concepts and forces (e.g., 'nature') rather than gods for explanations. It is represented by (E).
The Positive (or Scientific) Stage: This final stage relies on scientific observation, experimentation, and logical proof for explanations. It aligns with (A).
The correct order is (B) $\rightarrow$ (E) $\rightarrow$ (A). The options 'Industrial' (C) and 'Primitive' (D) are irrelevant to Comte's stages.
Step 3: Option Analysis:
The question requires identifying the correct stage order, but no option presents the stages in the correct sequence (B, E, A). However, option (C) uniquely includes all three correct stages: (A) Positive, (B) Theological, and (E) Metaphysical. The question's intended focus may be on identifying the stages themselves rather than their order. Consequently, based on the provided choices, (C) is the only option containing the complete set of correct stages.
Step 4: Conclusion:
The option that accurately reflects the three stages of thought proposed by Auguste Comte is (C). The correct sequence of these stages is Theological, Metaphysical, and Positive.