Max Weber the sociologist Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Max weber the sociologist - Research Paper ExampleHis theories broke new ground, proposing that interpretive, non-empirical evidence can be used to canvass and understand the intentions and actions of individuals within socio-economic groups. Webers whole works put into perspective the effect of culture and religious belief on economics. Placed within a historical perspective, Webers work was bold for the succession in that it refutes the notion that there can be a quantifiable gauge for the study of affable dynamics. Observation and analysis, skills that served Weber well during his esteemed career, were part of a legacy of academician achievement, passed on to him by his accomplished parents. Weber A brief biography Born into an affluent family, Webers mystify was trained as an attorney, held a prominent position in the civil service and was a fraction of the National Liberal Party. Max Weber, Sr.s involvement in public life assailable his son to a wealth of socio-politica l ideas, the familys home being something of a gathering place for some(prenominal) leading intellectuals of the period. The younger Weber thrived in this atmosphere, which inspired him to take up Goethe, whom he read voraciously from a young age as well as many other volumes of classical works (Ringer, 2004). Law school and a brief stint in the military during World War I were followed by the beginnings of a legal career, which further whetted his appetite for research and theory. The early stages of his pro life were marked by social and economic studies inspired by a growing Max Weber 4 progressive movement, which Weber joined in 1888 as a member of the Verein fur Sozialpolitik, a professed(prenominal) association for economists. What united the members of the Verein was a belief that reforms were urgently needed in Germany (Swedberg & Agevall, 2005). The Verein proved to be a stepping stone for Weber, who earned notice for his report on the displacement of workers in East Pr ussia by beautify emigres (Kim, 2007). Appointments to Freiburg, then Heidelberg University followed. It was at Heidelberg that Webers brilliance attracted the attention of other intellectuals, writers and scholars in the charged academic atmosphere of the famous university town. Germany of the late-19th century was a brash new nation, one gripped by hubris and the aggressive policies of the Prussian political ascendancy. The nations burgeoning self-confidence gripped many in the intellectual class, including some of Webers contemporaries. Refusing to be swept up, Weber remained true to his progressive convictions, venting his feelings about Germanys increasing idea for saber rattling. (Weber) also wrote passionate polemics in behalf of parliamentary reform and against the annexationist hysteria that seized many of his colleagues (Ringer, 2004). After his fetchs death in 1896, Webers unresolved, stormy relationship with his parent contributed to a nauseating breakdown, which so debilitated Weber that he was eventually forced to resign from his teaching post and to head off all scholarly activities. Ironically, Webers condition, which led to an abrupt and radical change in his professional life, brought about an intellectual change of direction and priority that would round out his personal philosophy and father him a pioneer in the developing field of social science (Kim, 2007). The resultant study