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2024-09-22 08:21:10

Max Weber

German sociologist and political economist
German sociologist and political economist

Max Weber, a key figure in sociology, studied law and history, wrote about capitalism and modernity, and emphasized the importance of social action and interpretive methods in research. His influence on social theory remains significant.

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1864-04-21
Birth of Max Weber

Max Weber, the German sociologist, was born on April 21, 1864 in Erfurt, Prussia (Germany).

1882
Enrollment at University of Heidelberg

Max Weber enrolled in the University of Heidelberg as a law student in 1882, where he spent 3 semesters and also served in the military for a year.

1884
Weber's Compulsive Work Regimen

After returning to Berlin in 1884, Max Weber followed a strict work routine to avoid self-indulgence and laziness, which he believed could lead to a crisis. His disciplined intellectual effort and brilliance quickly propelled him to professional success.

1886
Weber passed the Referendar examination

In 1886, Max Weber successfully passed the Referendar examination, which was equivalent to the bar association exam in the British and U.S. legal systems.

1888
Weber joined the Verein für Socialpolitik

In 1888, Max Weber became a member of the Verein für Socialpolitik, an organization of reformist thinkers focusing on social policy.

1889
PhD in Law

Max Weber earned his PhD in law in 1889.

1890
Weber's Analysis of Agrarian Problems in Eastern Germany

In 1890, Max Weber wrote a detailed analysis of the agrarian issues in eastern Germany for the Union for Social Policy. This work showcased his expertise in economic and social matters.

1891
Weber writes Habilitationsschrift on Roman law and agrarian history

In 1891, Max Weber wrote his Habilitationsschrift on Roman law and agrarian history under the guidance of August Meitzen.

1892
Weber writes dissertation on medieval trading companies

In 1892, Max Weber wrote his dissertation on medieval trading companies under the supervision of Levin Goldschmidt and Rudolf von Gneist, with examination by Theodor Mommsen.

1893-09-20
Weber married Marianne Schnitger

On September 20, 1893, Max Weber married Marianne Schnitger, his distant cousin, which marked a significant personal milestone in his life.

1894
Max Weber's First University Appointment at Freiburg

In 1894, Max Weber received his first university appointment at Freiburg, which marked the beginning of his academic career. This event was significant as it paved the way for his future accomplishments in the field of political economy.

1895
Weber's Inaugural Address at Freiburg

In 1895, Max Weber delivered a powerful inaugural address at Freiburg, criticizing the ruling Junker aristocracy as outdated. He advocated for a national education towards political maturity through overseas imperial expansion.

1896
Max Weber's Prestigious Professorship in Political Economy at Heidelberg

In 1896, Max Weber was appointed to a prestigious professorship in political economy at Heidelberg. This appointment solidified his reputation as a leading scholar in the field and furthered his influence in academic circles.

1897-11
Max Weber's Struggle with Depression and Insomnia

After the death of his father in November 1897, following a severe unresolved quarrel, Max Weber experienced depression, nervousness, and insomnia. These conditions made it challenging for him to continue his duties as a professor, leading to a reduction in teaching and eventual resignation in 1899.

1900
Weber's distinction between Modernity and Modernization

Weber argued that there was a time when individuals had an unflinching sense of conviction based solely on their innermost personality, leading to highly methodical and disciplined conduct. This contrasts with the modern era where individuals are influenced by 'sensualists without heart' and 'specialists without spirit'.

1902
Falling out with Father and Mental Breakdown

Weber has a conflict with his father and experiences a mental breakdown after his father's death in the same year, leading him to quit teaching for 5 years.

1903-06
Max Weber's Concept of Rationality

Max Weber's central problem revolves around the idea that the rationality used in selecting means cannot be applied to choosing ends. This distinction between two types of reasoning is emphasized by modern value fragmentation.

1904-05
Weber's concept of rationalization

In 1904-05, Max Weber introduced the concept of rationalization, describing it as something that humanity had never achieved before. He discussed the future of rationalization, highlighting not only mechanized petrification but also a chaotic inundation of subjective values, leading to a 'polytheism' of value-fragmentation.

1905
The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism

Weber's essay where he presents the controversial thesis that the Protestant ethic influenced the development of capitalism by favoring rational pursuit of economic gain and worldly activities.

1906
Weber's Methodological Claims

Weber was not focused on resolving the Methodenstreit between historicism and positivism, but rather aimed for a pragmatic approach in his methodology. He compared methodology to a rule of thumb, rather than a systematic epistemological treatise.

1907
The Religion of China: Confucianism and Taoism

Weber's second major work on the sociology of religion focused on the differences between Chinese society and Western Europe, particularly in relation to capitalism and the influence of Confucianism and Taoism.

1908
Weber's work on Ancient Judaism

In his fourth major work on the sociology of religion, Weber explored the differences between Oriental and Occidental religiosity. He discussed the development of interworldly asceticism in Western Christianity and mystical contemplation in India, highlighting the influence of ancient Jewish prophecy on Christianity.

1909
Co-founding of a Social Science Journal

In 1909, Max Weber co-founded a social science journal, Archiv für Sozialwissenschaften und Sozialpolitik, which became a prominent platform for academic and public discourse. This initiative marked a significant contribution to the field of social sciences.

1910
Concept of 'Person of Vocation' by Max Weber

Max Weber introduced the concept of 'Person of Vocation' in his religious writings, referring to the agent of unity as 'Berufsmensch'. This concept was also known as 'Personality' in his methodological essays and 'Genuine Politician' in his political writings.

1912
Max Weber becomes the first treasurer of Deutsche Gesellschaft für Soziologie

Max Weber became the first treasurer of Deutsche Gesellschaft für Soziologie due to his dissatisfaction with the conservative politics and lack of methodological discipline of Verein. He later resigned from this position in 1912.

1913
Weber's Holiday in Monte Verità Community

During the spring of 1913, Max Weber holidayed in the Monte Verità community in Ascona, Switzerland, where he advised Frieda Gross in a custody battle. Weber opposed Erich Mühsam's involvement due to his support for anarchism, emphasizing the need for bourgeois reformers in the case.

1914
Outbreak of the First World War interrupts Max Weber's achievements

The outbreak of the First World War in 1914 interrupted Max Weber's work in the comparative sociology of world religions and his contributions to the Grundriss der Sozialökonomik, which was later published posthumously as Economy and Society.

1915
The Religion of China: Confucianism and Taoism

Weber's second major work on the sociology of religion focusing on why capitalism did not develop in China compared to Western Europe, especially contrasting with Puritanism.

1917
Max Weber's Campaign for Constitutional Reform in Germany

In 1917, Max Weber campaigned for a complete overhaul of the authoritarian state in Wilhelmine Germany, advocating for universal suffrage and more power to the parliament in the post-war era.

1918
Max Weber's Influence on Post-War Reconstruction in Germany

After Germany's defeat in 1918, Max Weber emerged as a prominent public intellectual leader with liberal views, poised to shape the direction of post-war reconstruction. He was seen as a potential future statesman.

1919
Teaching at Universities of Vienna and Munich

In 1919, Max Weber briefly taught at the universities of Vienna and Munich. During this time, he worked on General Economic History and gave lectures on Science as a Vocation and Politics as a Vocation.

1920-04-07
Lili Schäfer, Weber's sister, committed suicide

On April 7, 1920, Lili Schäfer, one of Max Weber's sisters, committed suicide due to the end of her affair with Paul Geheeb. Weber viewed her act positively, aligning with his belief that suicide could be an honorable act.

1920-06-14
Death of Max Weber

Max Weber died of pneumonia in Munich on June 14, 1920.

1921
Ancient Judaism

Weber's fourth major work delved into the early differences between Eastern and Western religiosity, focusing on the innerworldly asceticism of Western Christianity and the mystical contemplation of India, with a specific emphasis on the social structure and religious practices of the ancient Jewish people.

1922
Economy and Society

Weber's magnum opus, an essay collection that he was working on at the time of his death in 1920. It covers various topics such as sociology, social philosophy, politics, social stratification, world religion, and diplomacy.

1923
Publication of General Economic History

Max Weber's 'General Economic History' was published in 1923. This work contributed to his legacy as a prominent figure in the fields of sociology and political economy.

1924
Publication of Gesammelte Aufsätze zur Soziologie und Sozialpolitik

The collection of essays on sociology and social policy was published in Tübingen by J. C. B. Mohr/Paul Siebeck.

1925
Publication of The Theory of Social and Economic Organization

Max Weber's work titled The Theory of Social and Economic Organization was published in 1925, presenting his ideas on the structures of social and economic systems.

1930-06-14
Death of Max Weber

Max Weber passed away on June 14, 1930. His insights on capitalism and modernity continue to influence social sciences.

1932
Comparison of Karl Marx and Max Weber by Karl Löwith

Karl Löwith contrasted the works of Marx and Weber, highlighting their different perspectives on Western capitalism. Marx viewed capitalism through alienation, while Weber used rationalisation to interpret it. Weber also expanded the concept of alienation beyond just workers to intellectuals and bureaucrats.

1937
Publication of The Structure of Social Action

Talcott Parsons argued that Max Weber and Emile Durkheim were foundational figures in sociology in his 1937 book The Structure of Social Action.

1944
Dialectics of Enlightenment

Theodor Adorno and Max Horkheimer's 'Dialectics of Enlightenment' thesis resonated with Max Weber's ideas on the tension between modernity and modernization.

1946
Publication of 'From Max Weber: Essays in Sociology'

In 1946, the book 'From Max Weber: Essays in Sociology' was published, edited by H.H. Gerth and C. Wright Mills. It is a collection of essays that delve into various sociological concepts and ideas.

1949
Max Weber's Theory of Social Economics

Max Weber formulated a theory of social economics which emphasized the importance of understanding not only economic phenomena, but also non-economic factors that influence the economy. He believed in interdisciplinary dialogue between economists and sociologists to study economic theory.

1950
Publication of Strauss' work on Weber

In 1950, Strauss published a work on Weber that discussed various ideologies associated with Weber's ideas, including Bonapartist caesarism, passive-revolutionary Fordist ideology, quasi-Fascist elitism, and proto-Nazism. The work highlighted Weber's robust nationalism and nihilistic celebration of power.

1952
Publication of 'Die Einheit der Wissenschaftslehre Max Webers'

In 1952, Dieter Henrich published a work discussing the unity of Max Weber's theory of science.

1962
The Religion of India: The Sociology of Hinduism and Buddhism

Max Weber's work 'The Religion of India: The Sociology of Hinduism and Buddhism' was published in 1962. It examines the religious practices and beliefs of Hinduism and Buddhism from a sociological perspective.

1967
Ancient Judaism

Max Weber's book 'Ancient Judaism' was published in 1967. It focuses on the sociological aspects of ancient Jewish society, offering valuable insights into the religious and social dynamics of that time.

1968
The Religion of China

Max Weber's work 'The Religion of China' was published in 1968. It explores the sociological dimensions of Chinese religious practices and beliefs, shedding light on the cultural and social aspects of Chinese society.

1971
Jürgen Habermas criticizes Carl Schmitt's connection to Max Weber

Jürgen Habermas criticized Carl Schmitt's association with Max Weber by referring to Schmitt as 'a legitimate pupil of Weber's'. This criticism was mentioned in a publication edited by Stammer in 1971.

1972
Initiation of Max Weber-Gesamtausgabe

Horst Baier pushed forward the idea of publishing a collected edition of Max Weber's complete works in 1972, leading to the initiation of the Max Weber-Gesamtausgabe.

1973
Formation of the first editorial committee for Gesamtausgabe

In 1973, the first editorial committee for the Gesamtausgabe project of Max Weber was established. The committee included Horst Baier, M. Rainer Lepsius, Wolfgang Mommsen, Wolfgang Schluchter, and Johannes Winkelmann.

1974
Max Weber und die Deutsche Politik 1890–1920

Wolfgang Mommsen published a book in 1974 titled 'Max Weber und die Deutsche Politik 1890–1920' which focuses on the relationship between Max Weber and German politics during the period of 1890-1920.

1980
Publication of 'The Problem of Thematic Unity in the Works of Max Weber'

In 1980, Friedrich H. Tenbruck discussed 'The Problem of Thematic Unity in the Works of Max Weber' in the British Journal of Sociology. The article delves into the thematic coherence in Weber's works.

1981
The Rise of Western Rationalism: Max Weber’s Developmental History

Wolfgang Schluchter's book 'The Rise of Western Rationalism' focusing on Max Weber's developmental history was translated by G. Roth and published in 1981 by University of California Press.

1982
Publication of 'Max Weber and Karl Marx'

Karl Löwith's book 'Max Weber and Karl Marx' was published in 1982, examining the ideas and theories of both Max Weber and Karl Marx.

1984
Publication of Gesamtausgabe (Collected Works)

The Gesamtausgabe (Collected Works) of Max Weber has been continuously published since 1984 by J. C. B. Mohr (Paul Siebeck) in Tübingen, Germany.

1987
The German Theological Sources and Protestant Church Politics

Friedrich Wilhelm Graf discusses the relationship between German theological sources and Protestant church politics in the context of Max Weber's work on the Protestant Ethic. The chapter is part of a book edited by H. Lehmann and G. Roth, focusing on the origins, evidence, and contents of Weber's ideas.

1988
Hennis' Interpretation of Max Weber's Concept of Berufsmensch

Hennis in 1988 provided an interpretation of Max Weber's concept of Berufsmensch, which refers to the combination of subjective value commitments and objective rationality in the pursuit of goals in capitalism.

1992
Protestant Ethic Thesis by Max Weber

Max Weber's Protestant Ethic thesis was a genealogical reconstruction of idiosyncratic moral agency in modern times. It highlighted the relationship between Protestantism and the rise of capitalism.

1993
Basic Concepts in Sociology

Max Weber's book 'Basic Concepts in Sociology' was published in 1993. It covers fundamental concepts in sociology and serves as a foundational text for students and scholars in the field.

1994
Publication of 'Weber: Political Writings'

In 1994, the book 'Weber: Political Writings' was published, edited by P. Lassman and R. Speirs. This book focuses on Max Weber's political writings and theories.

1995
Weber's Critique of Ritschl's Lutheran Communitarianism

Weber's critique of Albrecht Ritschl's Lutheran communitarianism, influenced by the Protestant theological debate between Ritschl and Matthias Schneckenburger, reflects his Kantian preoccupation with subjective individualism and self-transformation.

1998
Max Weber's Ambiguity on Democracy

Max Weber's views on democracy were ambiguous as he struggled to define its place in his schema. At times, he considered democracy as a fourth type of legitimacy that should embrace legitimacy from below, while other times he viewed it as non-legitimate, aspiring to an identity between the ruler and the ruled.

1999-10
Max Weber as an Economist and as a Sociologist

Richard Swedberg's article from October 1999, 'Max Weber as an Economist and as a Sociologist,' explores the dual roles of Max Weber in the fields of economics and sociology.

2000
Publication of 'Roth 2000'

In the year 2000, a publication by Roth mentioned the prosperous and cultivated family background of Max Weber, highlighting the influence of his parents' conflicting identities on his life.

2001
The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism

Max Weber's renowned work 'The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism' was first published in 1904 and later in 2001. It discusses the relationship between Protestantism and the rise of capitalism, influencing economic sociology.

2002
Publication of The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism

The book was published in 2002 by Peter Baehr, Gordon C. Wells, and Stephen Kalberg, reflecting the latest Weber scholarship with enhanced readability and contextualization.

2004
The Vocation Lectures: Science As a Vocation, Politics As a Vocation

Max Weber's lectures 'Science As a Vocation, Politics As a Vocation' were compiled and published in 2004. They provide insights into the roles of science and politics in society, reflecting Weber's views on these vocations.

2005
Publication of The Max Weber Dictionary

In 2005, Richard Swedberg edited and published The Max Weber Dictionary at Stanford University Press. The dictionary serves as a comprehensive guide to the key concepts and ideas of Max Weber.

2007-08-24
First Publication of Max Weber

Max Weber's work was first published on August 24, 2007. He is considered one of the most important social theorists of the twentieth century and a key figure in the development of modern social science.

2010
Weber's Concept of Domination

Weber's concept of domination involves the congruence between the justification of rule and its interpretation by the ruled. It is considered both noumenal and phenomenal, making Weber a prominent figure in political realism.

2011
The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism by Max Weber

Max Weber's The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism explores the cultural mindset that influenced the birth of modern capitalism and continues to impact work attitudes in North America and Western Europe. Stephen Kalberg's revised translation makes the work more accessible, capturing Weber's style and causal arguments.

2012
Max Weber in Politics and Social Thought: From Charisma to Canonization

A book by Joshua Derman published in 2012 that explores the evolution of Max Weber's ideas in politics and social thought, tracing the transition from charisma to canonization.

2013
Max Weber: Modernisation as Passive Revolution

In 2013, Jan Rehmann published a book titled 'Max Weber: Modernisation as Passive Revolution'. The book provides a Gramscian analysis of modernization as a passive revolution.

2014
Publication of 'Becoming a God: Max Weber and the Social Construction of Charisma'

The article 'Becoming a God: Max Weber and the Social Construction of Charisma' by Joose and Paul was published in the journal Sociological Theory in 2014, exploring Max Weber's concept of charisma and its social construction.

2016
Publication of 'Max Weber und die Staatsrechtslehre'

In 2016, Andreas Anter published 'Max Weber und die Staatsrechtslehre' in Tübingen. The book focuses on Max Weber's contributions to the field of Staatsrechtslehre (the doctrine of constitutional law).

2019
Reissuing of Economy and Society under Max Weber Gesamtausgabe

Recently, Economy and Society was reissued under the rubric of Max Weber Gesamtausgabe (MWG). This reissuing has not completely clarified the thematic architectonic of the book.

2020
Call for Politicization of Civil Society

Weber and contemporary democratic theorists emphasized the importance of politicizing civil society through better partisanship, diverging from communitarian-Tocquevillean ideals.

2021-07-31
Biography of Max Weber

A detailed account of the life of Max Weber, a prominent figure in sociology, highlighting his major contributions to the field.

2022-09-21
Substantive Revision of Max Weber

On September 21, 2022, a substantive revision was made to Max Weber's work. He is recognized as a leading figure in shaping modern social science and his contributions are highly regarded.

2024-05-17
Accessing Biography of Max Weber

Information on how to access the biography of Max Weber for further study and research.

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Max Weber
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