Weber's Sociological Perspectives

A set of values and beliefs emphasizing hard work, thrift, and the accumulation of wealth as a moral duty.

The idea that the Protestant Reformation played a significant role in the development of capitalism.

The idea that individuals are chosen to work and acquire wealth through divine providence.

The practice of setting wages based on the amount of work completed.

The pursuit of wealth for its own sake, regardless of personal needs.

The idea that capitalism selects successful individuals through competition, where only the fittest survive.

The idea that traditional ways of working and doing business can hinder economic progress.

The process of identifying and analyzing individual components of a concept to gain a deeper understanding of its origins and significance.

A belief in the legitimacy of a system of domination, which goes beyond material or affective motives.

A type of authority based on a belief in the legality of established rules and the right of those in positions of power to issue commands.

A type of authority based on the exceptional qualities or powers believed to be held by an individual, often seen as divinely inspired or exemplary.

A type of authority based on established traditions, customs, and inherited patterns of power.

A highly structured, impersonal organization characterized by specialized roles, clear hierarchies, and written rules.

A system of hierarchy and subordination within a bureaucracy, allowing for appeals and oversight.

The use of written documents, records, and files for communication and decision-making within a bureaucracy.

The requirement for specialized knowledge and training for officials to perform their duties within a bureaucracy.

The expectation that officials within a bureaucracy will dedicate their full working capacity to their duties.

The duty of officials within a bureaucracy to be loyal to the purpose and goals of their office.

The claim that bureaucracy is superior to other forms of organization due to its efficiency, precision, and reliability.

The tendency of bureaucracy to emphasize impersonal rules and procedures, potentially leading to a decline in

The transition from traditional administration by

The claim that bureaucracy is a stable form of organization due to people's reliance on its discipline and procedures.

The traditional German academic career path that begins with an unpaid lectureship after obtaining a second doctorate.

Actions based on habits or ingrained routines.

Actions motivated by strong emotions, such as anger, fear, or love.

Actions guided by values and the careful selection of appropriate means to achieve desired ends.

The power to confer meaning and influence how others understand the world.

The skills, knowledge, and cultural understanding that we possess.

Access to wealth and financial resources.

The unequal distribution of resources and opportunities in society.

The ability to act freely and pursue chosen goals, often involving control over resources.

Manipulating a situation to render others' resources ineffective.

Manipulating a situation so others can achieve their goals only by following the rules set by the power holder.

Reasons or justifications for why someone or something has authority.

Appealing to tradition and established practices to justify authority.

Belief in a leader's special powers or divine inspiration.

Belief in the legitimacy of rules, laws, and established procedures.

Methods used to minimize personal responsibility for morally questionable actions.

The German university system is considered 'plutocratic' because it is reliant on private means, making it challenging for those without financial resources to succeed.

The increasing similarity of German and American universities, with large science and medicine institutes becoming 'state capitalist' enterprises.

A significant part of academic success often hinges on chance factors beyond an individual's ability or effort.

Academic appointments are complex processes where objective selection can be challenging due to the inherent limitations of collective decision-making.

A successful academic career requires excelling in both scholarship and teaching, but these two qualities are not always aligned and may even conflict.

A trend in German universities where student numbers become the primary measure of success, encouraging professors to prioritize popularity over scholarship.

Academic life is filled with uncertainties, making it difficult to predict long-term success based on merit alone.

Specialization, or deep focus on a narrow area of research, is crucial for producing lasting scientific achievements.

Passion is essential for scientific success, but it is a precondition for inspiration, that elusive moment of insight that leads to breakthrough discoveries.

True scientific work should be evaluated based on its merits rather than on the personality or experiences of the scholar. This rejects the modern romanticism of individual expression.

Unlike art, where great works endure, scientific advancements are constantly being superseded, with new discoveries building on previous ones.

Science has not necessarily brought a deeper understanding of life for most people, even though it has led to technological advancements. This highlights the disenchantment of the world.

Science cannot provide answers to fundamental existential questions about meaning and purpose, as its focus on factual knowledge is inherently limited.

The lecture room is not the appropriate place for advocating for political positions. The teacher's role is to present objective facts and encourage critical thinking.

The teacher's duty is to present both convenient and inconvenient truths, even those challenging a student's beliefs, to foster critical thinking.