Max Weber's methodology

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At a time when historical and cultural analyses face various ideological challenges, the work of Max Weber, a pivotal social theorist of the twentieth century, remains particularly significant. Fritz Ringer presents a fresh interpretation of Weber's methodological writings, contextualizing them within the vibrant German intellectual debates of his era. Ringer argues that Weber successfully bridged the gap between humanistic interpretation and causal explanation in historical and cultural studies, a challenge still relevant today as methodological differences hinder collaboration between humanists and social scientists. Rejecting the subjectivism of humanists and the naturalism of social scientists, Weber introduced the concepts of objective probability and adequate causation. By grounding technical theories in specific examples, Ringer provides an essential resource for students of Weber and social theory across the humanities and social sciences. Ringer reconstructs Weber's methodological position, revealing its anticipation of contemporary philosophies in cultural and social sciences. His analysis clarifies Weber's ability to reconcile interpretive understanding with causal explanation, highlighting its significance for both Weber's time and our own intellectual landscape.