ABSTRACT
Weber’s civilizations analytic must be evaluated before we turn to the question of its capacity to identify clearly the “particular rationalisms” of a variety of civilizations. This is the task of Chapter 9.
The strengths of this massive heuristic grid involve its capacity to formulate models that assist empirical researchers to identify events and developments relevant to the rationalization of social action in the civilization under investigation. Its capacity to orient the research of social scientists is evident.
Weber, however, is quick to note a significant weakness: although indispensable as a conceptual tool, the civilizations analytic omits entirely cognizance of a civilization’s distinct empirical events and developments. Absent “historical detail,” Weber proceeds, with this conceptual matrix as his guide, to address this weakness by examining specific cases.
