ABSTRACT
The concept of rationality occupies a central place in Max Weber's sociology and in his view of the world more generally. The spread of rationality in the modern world, seen principally through the comparative history of Western civilization, is summarized by the term 'rationalization', the major theme of Weberian sociology. Before examining the concept of rationality as it relates to the sociology of law, it is worthwhile to briefly consider its use by Weber in his sociology of religion. Weber considers the effect of religious concepts on the rationalization of empirical activity from the standpoint of practical rationality, particularly with regard to the increased focus on calculability as a means of achieving a specific goal. The history of religious concepts reveals that various ethical trends have sought to submit everyday human action to methodical control. Weber identifies the effect of legal norms and principles on the rationalization of other spheres of action from a practical rationality perspective.
