Final answer:
Auguste Comte, the influential French philosopher and sociologist, lived between January 19, 1798, and September 5, 1857. He established the scientific approach to sociology known as positivism and had a lasting impact on the field.
Step-by-step explanation:
French philosopher Auguste Comte was born on January 19, 1798, and he passed away on September 5, 1857. He is recognized as a pivotal figure in the history of sociology and philosophy of science. His deep analyses of the development of science during his time led to his formulation of the law of three stages, which describes the evolution of societies' thought processes. Comte's influence extends beyond sociology; he had a hand in shaping a variety of social theories with the overarching goal of advancing society toward a peaceful coexistence. He coined the term positivism and proposed its establishment as a science of society, which he named sociology. The impact of Comte's work continues to resonate in the sociological community, illustrating his significant contribution to the field.