Weber and Anthropology
Löwy, Michael
Weber and Anthropology - 2012.
42
In spite of the obvious presence of anthropological analysis in his writings, Weber is seldom considered as an anthropologist. We think however that an “anthropological moment” is indeed one of the components of his work: a significant part of his writings deals with so-called “archaic” societies. In last analysis, his scientific project—the formation of the Western modern rationality—only becomes meaningful through the gap with the 'primitive' societies. Weber is therefore an anthropologist, in so far as he wants to explain pre-modern societies, and from this analysis follow concepts that are useful to understand modernity. Anthropology and sociology are inseparable from a historical approach. What distinguishes them is less the method or the objects—religion, social norms, family—than the kind of society/community studied.
Weber and Anthropology - 2012.
42
In spite of the obvious presence of anthropological analysis in his writings, Weber is seldom considered as an anthropologist. We think however that an “anthropological moment” is indeed one of the components of his work: a significant part of his writings deals with so-called “archaic” societies. In last analysis, his scientific project—the formation of the Western modern rationality—only becomes meaningful through the gap with the 'primitive' societies. Weber is therefore an anthropologist, in so far as he wants to explain pre-modern societies, and from this analysis follow concepts that are useful to understand modernity. Anthropology and sociology are inseparable from a historical approach. What distinguishes them is less the method or the objects—religion, social norms, family—than the kind of society/community studied.
Réseaux sociaux