Positivist Philosophy

The statement, "The behaviour of man, like the behaviour of matter, can be objectively measured," aligns directly with the core principles of Positivism.

Positivism is a philosophical approach that emphasizes empirical evidence, observation, and scientific methods as the basis for knowledge. It advocates for applying the methods used in the natural sciences to the study of social phenomena, including human behavior.

Analyzing the Statement

• Objective Measurement: The statement stresses that behavior, like matter, is objectively measurable. This reflects the positivist belief that phenomena can be studied objectively through direct observation and measurement.
• Scientific Methodology: Positivism champions the application of scientific techniques to gain knowledge. Viewing human behavior as measurable like matter is a key tenet of this scientific, empirical approach.

Evaluating Options

• Positivist: Correct. This philosophical stance supports the objective, scientific study of all phenomena, including human behavior.
• Calvinist / Protestantism: Incorrect. These are religious doctrines and have no direct connection to the methodology of objectively measuring human behavior.
• Behaviourism: While behaviourism is a psychological school that focuses on observable behavior and its measurement, the statement represents a broader philosophical underpinning (Positivism) that justifies such scientific measurement of behavior, viewing it akin to the study of matter. Positivism precedes and informs approaches like behaviourism.

Therefore, the statement fundamentally falls under the Positivist perspective.