SLGY 2131 Chapter Notes - Chapter 12: Rationality, Exchange Economy, Price System
21 Mar 2017
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Central question in weber"s work is the rationalization of the conduct of life and its implication for the development of the human type created by ascetic religion and rational economic practices. Weber argues that western culture has exhibited high degrees of intellectualization, coherence and mastery over the world o everything in theory can be understood by calculation. Defined by the pursuit of profit, expectation of profit by by the utilization of opportunities for exchange. Decisions made according to calculation of profit. Rational system of law and administration necessary so that reliable formal rules are available to govern activity of businesses. All above factors contributed to development of free labor and all are importanat conditions for rationl capitalistic enterprise. Protestantism essential as religious motivation stimulated discipline. The keys to western csppitsalism are essentially rational culture and discipline. Substantive rationality o the means designed to achieve some chosen end are rationally assessed but not the ends which are based in fundamental values.
