The Rationalization of Society: Max Weber on Domination, Law and the Rational State

2024-07-18

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In the third episode in my series about the rationalization of society, I will attend to another important manifestation of the rationalization process that Max Weber outlined: the rational state. What does it mean for states to be rational, and what is the relation between the rational state and liberal democracies? Let’s find out.In this context, I will also explain and exemplify Weber's famous three types of legitimate domination, that will help us deepen our understanding of Weber's thinking.

In the third episode in my series about the rationalization of society, I will attend to another important manifestation of the rationalization process that Max Weber outlined: the rational state. What does it mean for states to be rational, and what is the relation between the rational state and liberal democracies? Let’s find out.

In this context, I will also explain and exemplify Weber's famous three types of legitimate domination, that will help us deepen our understanding of Weber's thinking.

References:

Hoyer, Katja (2021): Blood and Iron: The Rise and Fall of the German Empire 1871-1918. Cheltenham: The History Press.

Kershaw, Ian (2001 [1998]). Hitler. 1889-1936: Hubris. Penguin.

Weber, M. & Swedberg, R. (2020) Essays in Economic Sociology. 1st edition. Princeton: Princeton University Press.

Weber, Max (2019): Economy & Society. A New Translation. Cambridge, Massachusetts: Harvard University Press.

Weber, M. (1970 [1948]): From Max Weber: Essays in Sociology. Translated and edited by Gerth, H. H., & Mills, C. W. London: Routledge & Kegan Paul.

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