On Max Weber's Methodology of Social Science

Abstract

There have been several works on Max Weber's methodology. But it seems they confine themselves to the methodological theory itself without making any reference to his empirical studies. In this paper, I attempt to investigate the way in which Max Weber applied his own methodology in dealing with social realities for analysis.
As I understand, his method of sociological analysis consists of three stages of procedure, which are overtly or implicitly stated both in his theoretical and empirical studies : first to construct “Wert Idee” in his mind as a scientist ; secondly, to organize major subjects of his study in the light of this value system and by means of “funktionale Betrachtung” and “funktionale Vorfragestellung” ; and thirdly to present causal explanation and formulation about the defined subjects by using the concepts of “Beobachten” and “Verstehen”.
The point which I would like to stress is that Max Weber used to devote himself for consciously elaborating the first two stages beforehand so that his work would be oriented in a proper way. And this is the real reason, I think, why his works are full of insight and well organized to give an impression of the great.