weber's theory of beliefs Flashcards
according to weber what did capitalism bring about?
a new form of economy- the ‘spirit of capitalism’, people became obsessed with making profits
define protestant ethic and the spirit of capitalism
protestant ethic= an ascetic lifestyle and beliefs
spirit of capitalism= pursuit of profit through hard work
define pre-destination
god decides before we are born who goes to heaven, fate
define divine transcendence
god’s decisions cannot be challenged-> caused salvation anxiety for many Calvinists (going to heaven or not?)
define ascetism
abstaining from luxuries through a self-disciplined mindset
what did calvanists think their vocation/calling was?
to make money, a sign they have been elected by God, hard work is a religious duty and cannot earn salvation
what are 2 consequences of an ascetic lifestyle and hard work?
- wealth= a psychological function of coping with salvation anxiety and a sign of god’s favour
- not allowed to spend wealth on luxuries -> reinvested back into the business
according to weber how did protestantism-> capitalism?
protestant ethic (asetcic lifestyles, working as a religious duty, money was saved not spent)
-> spirit of capitalism- required capital for investment-> required a hard working force that values productivity and efficiency
how can Hinduism be used to criticise weber?
Weber- belief systems need both an ascetic lifestyle and a desire for profit
BUT
Hindusim- ascetic lifestyle, but concerns are other worldly- reincarnation not profit
how does Kautsky criticise weber’s theory of beliefs?
w over-estimated role of ideas and underestimated economic factors- capitalism proceeded calvanism
how does tawney criticise weber’s view of beliefs?
it was technology not religious ideas that caused the birth of capitalism, the bourgeois adopted Calvinist beliefs to legitimate the pursuit of profit
how does eisenstadt criticise weber’s theory of beliefs?
capitalism did occur in places where there was no cal and pre dated cal ib many places
