Methodology of Social Sciences: Max WeberHenry A. Finch Max Weber wrote these methodological essays in the closest intimacy with actual research and against a background of constant and intensive meditation on substantive problems in the theory and strategy of the social sciences. They were written between 1903 and 1917, the most productive of Max Weber's life, when he was working on his studies in the sociology of religion and Wirtschaft und Gesellschaft. Weber had done important work in economic and legal history and had taught economic theory. On the basis of original investigations, he had acquired a specialist's knowledge of the details of German economic and social structure. His always vital concern for the political prosperity of Germany among the nations thrust him deeply into discussion of political ideals and programs. Weber's methodology still holds interest for us. Some of its shortcomings, from the contemporary viewpoint, may be attributed to the fact that some of the methodological problems that he treated could not be satisfactorily resolved prior to certain actual developments in research technique. These few qualifications aside, the work remains a pioneering work in large scale social research, from one of the field's masters. |
Contents
The Meaning of Ethical Neutrality in Sociology and Economics | 1 |
Objectivity in Social Scienceand Social Policy | 49 |
Critical Studies in the Logic of the Cultural Sciences | 113 |
| 189 | |
| 191 | |
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abstract action actually aesthetic analysis analyze assertion attitude Battle of Marathon causal explanation causal significance causes character characteristic components concepts concerned concrete conflict consequences construct correct criticism cultural sciences cultural significance decision defined definition disciplines discussion distinction economic Eduard Meyer empirical science epistemology epoch essay ethical evaluative ideas example existence fact factors field find first formulation given goal Goethe Goethe’s heuristic historian historical significance human ideal type ideal-typical important infinite influence instance intellectual interest interpretation investigation judgment justified laws logical Marianne Weber matter Max Weber means methodological Meyer’s modification natural sciences normative normative ethics objective possibility one’s particular persons phenomena point of view political practical present principle problems proposition purely question rational reflection regard relationship relevant result Rudolf Stammler sense situation social science specific sphere standpoint sufficient Talcott Parsons task technical theoretical theory tion ultimate unambiguous understanding validity value-judgments viewpoints Wright Mills