ABSTRACT
Weber’s analysis of the rise to dominance of Confucianism in China, if reconstructed, offers an illustration of his use a) of ideal types, b) the theoretical framework provided by the societal domains and domain-specific ideal types of Economy and Society, c) his research design comparisons, d) the major stages of his mode of causal analysis (facilitating and necessary patterns of action, and synchronic, diachronic, and conjunctural interactions), and e) the pivotal importance to him of patterned action unique to the case or development under investigation. A back and forth movement is apparent in all of Weber’s causal analyses between the stages of his causal methodology as well as the E&S frame of reference on the one hand, and the empirical and regular action-orientations unique to the case or specific development on the other hand. An overview of Confucianism’s major features is necessary before Weber’s analysis can be reconstructed.2
