Description

Though this work originated in a series of essays in the opening decade of the twentieth century Max Webers The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism first appeared in English in 1930 and its title alone a clear but powerful premise made a strong international impact Here in a single sentence was a persuasive challenging concept that offered a fascinating antidote to the growing influence of secular Marxist economics and its specific rejection of capitalism But was the title true The ensuing years have appeared to validate Webers argument Throughout the twentieth century The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism was regarded as an important sociological and economic text continuing into the twentyfirst century when extreme capitalism has continued to come under fire Webers work provided a history from where the profit motive could be ethically justified Max Weber 18641920 combined his interests in sociology political economy and history to give perspective to his analysis Concentrating principally on the experience of the West he returned to the time when religion its concepts and practice dominated society But the Reformation and postLuther the teaching of Calvin presented a new view on the attitude towards religion work and economic activity Labour must on the contrary be performed as if it were an absolute end in itself a calling
This recording opens with a useful overview from Professor R H Tawney and continues with the Authors Introduction The main text is divided into two parts In Part 1 The Problem Weber presents the historical background including The Spirit of Capitalism and Luthers Conception of The Calling Part II includes a lengthy discussion of Protestant sects including Calvinism and Methodism concluding with Asceticism and The Spirit of Capitalism