Max Weber's Methodologies: Interpretation and Critique

Abstract

List of Abbreviations. Acknowledgements. Introduction. 1. THE CONTEXTS. German Historicism and the Controversy over Method. The Post--Enlightenment Anguish of Polytheism. Neo--Kantianism and Nominalism. 2. THE SHAPING OF WEBER'S CONCEPTUAL TOOLS. Distinguishing the Natural from the Social Sciences. Enter Values and the Problem of Selection and Value Intrusion. Rickert: Theoretical and Practical Value--Relation. Weber: Scientific Value--Relativism. The Limits of Social Science Concept Formation. Postscript: Evaluating Rickerta s Influence on Weber. 3. AN ANALYSIS OF WEBERa S SOLUTION. Objectivity, Selection, and Causal Significance. Rational Understanding. Webera s Anti--Psychologism. The Ideal--type. Conclusion. 4. THREE PARADIGMATIC CONCEPTIONS OF WEBER. Introduction: A Brief Outline of Webera s Reception. Talcott Parsons: Weber as a macro--sociologist. Alfred Schutz: Weber as a 'Hermeneutic'. Lazarsfeld and Oberschall: Weber as an empirical social scientist. 5. BEYOND APPROPRIATION. WEBER YESTERDAY AND TODAY. The Weber--Renaissance as Living Legacy. Selective and Creative Presentism. Continuing Significance: Weber as Mediator. Increasing Professionalization and Cohesiveness. The Dispute about the Centre of Gravity of Webera s Work and Methodology. Does an Overarching Interpretation Matter?. Nietzsche, The Disenchantement Thesis and Methodology. Appendix: The radical solution?: A note on Gunnar Myrdal and the Diffusion of Value--Orientation/Relation. METHODOLOGICAL APPENDIX. Recontextualizing Weber at the Crossroads. Approaching the Classics. Notes. Short Biographies. Glossary. References. Index.