How does the document reflect the assumptions of the historical context?
Weber’s document reflects the assumptions of its historical context. At the time of producing the document, society expected its people to believe in something. This explains why many people would not do business with a person without any religious or social affiliation. A few decades before the period, religion was a powerful factor that made its members recognizable in society. Religion was the foundation of acceptable moral principles and qualities.
Such qualities were also relevant to different business practices. Most of the successful businesspeople belonged to certain religious sects or groups. At the same time, expulsion from a specific sect especially because of moral offense resulted in economic loss. As Weber observes, the offender would be declassed.
The author was a proponent of anti-positivism. He used an interpretive approach to study social actions. During this time, the world experienced a wave of market-driven capitalism. At the same time, many people in the West were keen about their cultural, societal, and religious identities. The sociologist used the concept of Ascetic Protestantism to investigate the origin and nature of capitalism. Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, different cultural concepts embedded in Christianity became powerful tools towards the establishment of capitalism.
Today the world is secularized. However, this situation originated from different religious affiliations and conceptions. Max examined how people’s thoughts and dispositions changed during time. The article describes how people’s practices and behaviors responded to the wave of capitalism. However, what comes out is that human beings have always valued their ethical practices. This has always remained a sort of premium. This explains how such principles have controlled human life. These forces also supported the spirit of capitalism.
Many people had already rejected Catholicism and started to believe in Calvinism and Protestantism. Many people believed in the pursuit of wealth and happiness. Such actions benefited from most of the philosophical and moral opinions in society. The document goes further to explain how the term “work ethic” reflected the original “protestant ethic” as experienced at the time. The document explains why many believers worked hard to make their businesses successful. Many people re-invested their profits and avoided earthly pleasures. Such discussions explain how the document reflects the assumptions of its historical context.
Weber’s argument about the nature of money
According to the sociologist, the need for wealth has been an ancient human phenomenon. The spirit of capitalism redefined the nature of money. Human beings earned money because it was an end in itself. This practice was a reflection of people’s eternal life. The nature of money became a complex aspect because human beings acquired and made it as the final purpose of life. The wave of Calvinism encouraged believers to participate in different moneymaking practices.
They did this without engaging in frivolous activities. According to the author, money remained a powerful tool because of its unique nature. The man used his wealth to get more money. This explains why the concern to make money remained a unique aspect of capitalism for many years.
The author argues that money has always been a sign of power. Human beings were also required to earn them morally. In America, money was something that could buy power. However, riches could not purchase social honor. Wealth was one of the best means to acquire social pride and prestige. American society always respected and honored every self-made individual. This explains why the Americans did not honor those who inherited their fortunes. Such arguments about the nature of money explain why the spirit of capitalism succeeded.
The political and moral implications of the argument
This document is a masterpiece because it presents useful discussions and opinions. This explains why different scholars and educators have used such discussions. To begin with, philosophers and scholars have used these arguments in the political arena to address most of the issues affecting humanity in different societies. The argument by Weber has played a significant role in promoting proper governance and democracy.
For example, most of the political developments in the world have borrowed much from Weber’s ideas. Many people believe that a true leader should possess the best moral principles and ethical behaviors. The document explains why moral people should control every political organization today. The argument has encouraged leaders to view politics as a vocation. It is also appropriate for individuals to share power. This is what has led to the establishment of democratic societies.
The article has always influenced human ethical behaviors and moral principles. For instance, the document explains why society expects its leaders and businesspeople to portray the best ethical and moral standards.
This paradigm influences human behaviors and practices. The document explains why every man should be socially responsible in society. These arguments and ideas by Weber are responsible for most of the moral ideas and principles practiced in our society. The argument also explains why the government should portray the best moral obligations. This discussion explains why Max’s prestige as a great sociologist is hard to underestimate.
References
Weber, M. (2005). The protestant ethic and the spirit of capitalism.