Thursday, July 5, 2012

Sociology is history done right


July 5, 2012

By prudently making a note of of what we hope to explain by comparing cross culturally and also we can contrast different historical epochs. These descriptions are about diverse observable facts while making use of comparable groupings we can set up the limitations of our ideal types. This can now be defined in specific terms what we are studying. These sets of abstractions are intellectual tools that help us to create our categories. This is not reality and this must be made clear. This is a way of arranging information to help us understand reality. On this point Weber was very clear. Marx in the beginning of the first Volume of Capital claimed to start with a very simple model, that later we add complexities to as we gather more empirical data. Theoretically we work with the juncture between the subjective meaning held by the people we are studying and the actual concrete meaning of the objective studies of our investigation. Ideal types are a generalized abstract concept, while meeting the criterion of logical requirements. The rational prerequisites of our model can help us set up the schemes of proof used in our method of verification and this is the test of how accurate are our findings of our conclusion. Normatively oriented action is establishing a typical representation that is needed for an earnest adjustment with relation to action to take place. The actor responds to external stimuli while making an effort to conform to certain ideal patterns all ready established in the actor’s view of the world. Innovation is always possible because reality rarely matches our view of reality. Probability is all there ever is. The best any actor can hope for is partial success, minimizing unforeseen consequences and dealing with the unexpected. Here Because of this rational action itself is an ideal type. In reality rational action is usually influenced by irrational factors. Weber makes a valuable addition to Marx. Here our best abstract concepts helps to focus our specific studies.

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