5-18-16
Reading 55
1. What are the distinctive characteristics of the religious orientation that Weber called the “Protestant ethic?” In what ways did they promote the development of the capitalistic economic system?
A couple distinctive characteristics of the religious orientation that Weber called the “Protestant ethic” include using time wisely to serve and devote oneself to god, and use wealth rationally and for things willed by god as to fulfil the needs of an individual. These characteristics promote the capitalistic economic system by promoting the idea that man will hear a calling from god for particular profession, and from this, in turn, he will make and use money.
2. In what respect do early Calvinists with a sense of “calling” differ from today’s “workaholics?”
Calvinists with this calling that led them to work were considered men who would go to heaven and be gifted with divine glory. This calling was an honor and their work was considered, by the grace of god, extremely important in all aspects of their lives. Workaholics, on the other hand, are just people who feel the need / want to work extreme hours, there is no calling from god telling them to do this.
3. In what sense does Weber’s analysis differ from the materialists orientation of Karl Marx, who suggested that productive forces shape the world of ideas?
The main difference between Weber’s analysis and Marx’s is that Weber focused on a more religious humanitarian side of production while Marx looked more at production in itself in capitalism. Basically, Weber considered wealth the divine and rightful reward while Marx considered it the product of unfair exploitation. Weber suggested that productive forces shape the world of ideas.
Reading 55
1. What are the distinctive characteristics of the religious orientation that Weber called the “Protestant ethic?” In what ways did they promote the development of the capitalistic economic system?
A couple distinctive characteristics of the religious orientation that Weber called the “Protestant ethic” include using time wisely to serve and devote oneself to god, and use wealth rationally and for things willed by god as to fulfil the needs of an individual. These characteristics promote the capitalistic economic system by promoting the idea that man will hear a calling from god for particular profession, and from this, in turn, he will make and use money.
2. In what respect do early Calvinists with a sense of “calling” differ from today’s “workaholics?”
Calvinists with this calling that led them to work were considered men who would go to heaven and be gifted with divine glory. This calling was an honor and their work was considered, by the grace of god, extremely important in all aspects of their lives. Workaholics, on the other hand, are just people who feel the need / want to work extreme hours, there is no calling from god telling them to do this.
3. In what sense does Weber’s analysis differ from the materialists orientation of Karl Marx, who suggested that productive forces shape the world of ideas?
The main difference between Weber’s analysis and Marx’s is that Weber focused on a more religious humanitarian side of production while Marx looked more at production in itself in capitalism. Basically, Weber considered wealth the divine and rightful reward while Marx considered it the product of unfair exploitation. Weber suggested that productive forces shape the world of ideas.