Max Weber (1864-1920), the German sociologist and historian, significantly influenced the development of modern
social science through his attempts to develop a systematic methodology for cross-cultural studies. He also published
comparative studies of authority and domination and emphasized the importance of bureaucracy in modern Western
societies.
Summary
In The Protestant Ethic, Max Weber opposes the Marxist concept of dialectical materialism and relates the rise
of the capitalist economy to the Calvinist belief in the moral value of hard work and the fulfillment of one's
worldly duties. Based on the original 1905 edition, this volume includes, along with Weber's treatise, an illuminating
introduction, a wealth of explanatory notes, and exemplary responses and remarks-both from Weber and his critics-sparked
by publication of The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism.
This is the first English translation of the 1905 German text and the first volume to include Weber's unexpurgated
responses to his critics, which reveal important developments in and clarifications of Weber's argument.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Suggestions for Further Reading
Note on the Translation
The Protestant Ethic and the "Spirit" of Capitalism (1905)
"Churches" and "Sects" in North America (1906)
Critical Remarks in Response to the Foregoing "Critical Contributions" (1907) (Weber's first rejoinder
to H. Karl Fischer)
Remarks on the Foregoing "Reply" (1908) (Weber's second rejoinder to H. Karl Fischer)
Rebuttal of the Critique of the "Spirit" of Capitalism (1910) (Weber's first rejoinder to Felix Rachfahl)
A Final Rebuttal of Rachfahl's Critique of the "Spirit of Capitalism" (1910)
Appendixes:
I. Rejoinders to Wener Sombart and Lujo Brentano (1920)
II. Prefatory Remarks to Collected Essays in the Sociology of Religion (1920)
