Max Weber's Economy And Society ─ A Critical Companion

Weber's masterwork is probably the single most important work in sociology, the subject of dozens of articles, and the topic of hundreds of debates. Originating in papers presented at the September 2000 symposium on Weber at the University of Wisconsin, the chapters here introduce readers to Weber's work, its conceptual and textual background, its textual core, and critical perspectives about it. Topics include Weber's background and its relevance to modern scholars, Weber's ethics, and the origins and composition of his work. Topics of chapters about the textual core include Weber's theory of rational action, his economic sociology, Weber's thought son democracy, domination and legitimacy, and Weber's writings on religion. Topics of critical perception include working beyond Weber's action theory, exploitation in his class analysis, patriarchy, aesthetic Protestantism, revolution, and cultural innovation. Annotation c2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)