Final answer:
Comte's chief problem of human life was the struggle to move society towards a scientific understanding known as positivism, which he believed would lead to progress and a more peaceful society.
Step-by-step explanation:
Comte's chief problem of human life centers on the difficulty humanity faces in transitioning from a society guided by theological and metaphysical explanations to one based on scientific understanding and positivism. Auguste Comte, a French philosopher and the founder of sociology, proposed the law of three stages for societal development. According to Comte's theory, human societies evolve in three stages: the theological, the metaphysical, and the final, the positive stage. In the positive or scientific stage, individuals rely on empirical evidence and scientific inquiry to understand the natural world and human society. Comte's positivism was an answer to the chaotic state of European society during his lifetime influenced by political revolutions and social upheavals. He postulated that through the empirical study of society, which he termed sociology, humanity could address social problems and advance toward progress. Comte's ultimate goal was to achieve a peaceful society by applying scientific principles to social issues.