Abstract
The paper analyses a number of philosophical dimensions and implications of Max Weber’s theories. Those notions and statements may be also classified as belonging to the epistemological and anthropological foundations of economics. It is demonstrated that, contrary to accepted wisdom, he cannot be regarded as subjectivist, not to mention psychological reductionist. Weber’s persisten focus on rationality resulted in him playing up the role of instrumentally rational action and, more generally, rationality as a trait of human personality. However, Weber also appreciated the significance of irrational elements in human, including economic life. Hence his focus on religion which, among others, resulted in his numerous studies on religion, among which the investigation of the role of Puritanism in the rise of the capitalist economic system is the most famous but at the same time controversial, as it leaves many questions unanswered. The paper outlines an sketch of an approach to the issue concerned which might contribute to its solution.
Published Version
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