Abstract
Max Weber is a worldwide respected sociologist, but there are other ways to approach andappreciate his oeuvre, especially in historical science. He has been seen as the last German-speaking polyhistor, as the founding father of historical cultural studies, and even as theforerunner of a problem-focused historiography. At the same time, history provides himwith an almost inexhaustible reservoir of single data. Weber demonstrates what about datais scientifically interesting and how to make use of it for dealing with scientific questions.My approach in this essay will be as follows: Firstly, I will identify Weber’s methodologicalreflections about how to deal with empirical-historical reality. Secondly, I will show how Weberembraces history with special focus on his sociology of domination – a centerpiece of Economyand Society. Finally, I will shortly explore the possibilities of adapting Weber’s main theses topresent-day historical sciences.
Highlights
Max Weber is a worldwide respected sociologist, but there are other ways to approach and appreciate his oeuvre, especially in historical science. He has been seen as the last Germanspeaking polyhistor, as the founding father of historical cultural studies, and even as the forerunner of a problem-focused historiography
I will shortly explore the possibilities of adapting Weber’s main theses to present-day historical sciences
The question about empirical historical knowledge is at the same time a question about the relation between sociology and history
Summary
–, e.g. concerning the agrarian question or the modern press It is above all history, which provides him with an almost inexhaustible reservoir of single data regarding a nearly endless diversity of human action within social, economic, political, religious, and cultural realms. This means that history offers a mass of empirical data regarding human activities, which have been realized in whatever form or quality (KOSELLECK, 1988).[7] We must notice that in Weber’s time historical knowledge was available in archaeological findings, source books, and in the archives. Weber’s works and his critical reflection show how an empirical science handles data. I will shortly explore the possibilities of adapting Weber’s main theses to present-day historical sciences
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