Introduction

This volume collects a series of essays written over several decades that examine Max Weber’s scholarly writings on the rise and uniqueness of the West. The multiple ways in which historical pathways in the West diverged from those in China and India are identified. A variety of explanations for singularity are offered. A discussion of Weber’s “Protestant ethic thesis” introduces this volume.

The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism (2011; 1904–1905; PE) set into motion a century-long debate. In retrospect this majestic work proved simply a starting point for the development of (a) Weber’s multi-causal mode of analysis and (b) his comparative-historical approach.

This Introduction offers an overview that succinctly summarizes this study’s main themes. It demarcates, by providing definitions of the major concepts that underpin Weber’s comparative-historical sociology, his research procedures and emphasizes their capacity to address his macro themes in a rigorous manner (see Introduction, pp. 20–26).