- Early Advocate for Social Sciences: Saint-Simon was one of the first thinkers to argue for the creation of a new science that could study society in the same way that natural sciences studied the physical world. He believed that this social science would be based on observation, experimentation, and the collection of data, and would be essential for understanding and solving social problems.
- Influence on Comte and Durkheim: Saint-Simon's ideas had a major influence on the development of sociology as a discipline. His work inspired Auguste Comte, who is often considered the father of sociology, and Émile Durkheim, who is considered one of the most important sociologists of all time.
- Early Theorist on Division of Labor in a Society: Saint-Simon was among the first social thinkers to describe how the division of labor in a society can lead to conflicts between different groups of workers and highlighted how this division could be studied scientifically to better understand and manage conflict.
- Emphasis on Social Planning and Reform: Saint-Simon believed that the role of sociologists should not only be limited to studying society but they should also be actively engaged in the process of social planning and reform. He advocated for the creation of a new social order based on science, reason, and a more equal distribution of resources that he believed would bring progress to the society.
- Early advocate of industrial society's benefits: Even though Saint-Simon was a strong critic of Capitalism, he was one of the first philosophers that emphasized the benefits and productivity gains of industrialization as compared to the older feudal model. He saw potential in the application of scientific methods to industry and technology, and this eventually influenced Karl Max and his theories on how Industrial Capitalism operates and evolves historically.
- Concept of the "organic whole": Saint-Simon argued that society should be seen as an 'organic whole' or system of interconnected parts, rather than a collection of separate individuals. This organic approach to society later became a fundamental principle in sociology, particularly in functionalist theories.
Overall, Henri Saint Simon's contributions to sociology laid the foundation for studying society scientifically, emphasizing the importance of social planning and reform, and highlighting the role of industrial society in shaping social change. His work helped to shape the development of sociology as a discipline and its approaches to understanding society.