Who is credited with coining the term sociology?

The term sociology is credited to Auguste Comte, who is often referred to as the father of sociology. He introduced the concept in the early 19th century as a way to study society scientifically. Comte believed that the systematic study of society could uncover laws of social behavior that would apply universally, similar to the laws of natural sciences. His approach laid the foundation for sociology as an academic discipline, emphasizing the importance of observation, classification, and comparison in understanding social phenomena.

Through his work, Comte sought to establish sociology as a distinct field separate from philosophy and other social sciences, advocating for a scientific approach to study social issues. This foundational contribution has allowed sociology to develop into a robust field of inquiry that investigates complex social structures and relationships.