1st Edition

Science, Values and Politics in Max Weber's Methodology New Expanded Edition

By Hans Henrik Bruun Copyright 2007
    320 Pages
    by Routledge

    320 Pages
    by Routledge

    First published in 1972, this book on Weber's methodological writings is today regarded as a modern classic in its field. In this new expanded edition, the author has revised and updated the original text, and translated the numerous German quotations into English. He has also added a new introduction, where he discusses major issues raised in the relevant secondary literature since 1972. The author traces the relationship between values and science in Max Weber's methodology of its central aspects: value freedom, value relation (Wertbeziehung), value analysis, the ideal type and the special problems which pertain to the sphere of politics. Weber's thought is presented and discussed on the basis of a meticulous analysis of all available, published or unpublished, original material. The book is indispensable for all serious Weber scholars and provides the general student with a clear, accessible and authoritative exposition of major aspects of Weber's methodology.

    Contents: Series Editor's preface; Preface; Introduction; Values as a problem of scientific inquiry: value freedom; Values as a precondition of scientific inquiry: value relation; Values as an instrument of scientific inquiry: value analysis; Values as an instrument of scientific inquiry: the ideal type;The complementary relation of values and scientific inquiry: politics and science; Bibliography; Name index; Subject Index.

    Biography

    Hans Henrik Bruun is an Honorary Professor at the Department of Sociology, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.

    'The publication of an updated version of Bruun's Science, Values and Politics in Max Weber's Methodology is an important event not only in Weber scholarship but in the understanding of twentieth century thought. His care in explicating the many complex issues about the philosophical implications of Weber's views made this book indispensable for serious students of Weber. Weber's significance has now been recognized by a much larger audience: this excellent revision should be its guide.' Stephen Turner, University of South Florida, USA 'This extensively revised and updated version of the original work is well-referenced and includes a nine-page bibliography of secondary sources.' German Studies Review 31.01.08