ABSTRACT
This chapter provides an introduction to the world of Max Weber, in particular the world of setting up ideal types, in the different sciences, in different contexts, for different purposes, and, most importantly, in the science of social policy for the purpose of enabling knowledge creation in comparative social policy. Weber set out first to answer the question of how to achieve ‘objectivity’ in science—no matter whether it was in natural, technical, social science, or the humanities alike. One of the key tools for spurring knowledge accumulation and development for all of the sciences is the method of constructing and checking against ideal types. There are different types of ideal types. The two main types are individualistic and holistic ideal types: modern capitalism is an example of the former, and bureaucracy of the latter. In comparative social policy, in general, people use holistic ideal types.
