Writing Out Loud: Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism
Weber’s most famous work remains one of sociology’s most beautifully written and influential works. In The Protestant Ethic and the Sprit of Capitalism, Weber asks: Why is the most advanced form of capitalism found in areas saturated with Protestants? After carefully reading the excerpt, answer the following questions.
Weber argues in the beginning of the reading that the economic rationalism found among Protestants is not found among Catholics. What do you think he means by economic rationalism, and what are some of the reasons he gives for why it is not common among Catholics?
Weber argues that only a “provisional description” of the spirit of capitalism can be used to begin his study. To which document does he turn to uncover this provisional description, and what about the document exemplifies the “spirit”?
Weber concludes by writing: “The Puritan wanted to work in a calling; we are forced to do so.” In other words, capitalism and the world more broadly have become “disenchanted.” What does it mean to say that the modern world is “disenchanted?” What concrete examples can you think of from modern life? Are there things that remain enchanted? Can you think of examples?