Max Weber's 'Science as a Vocation'

by Peter Lassman (Editor), Irving Velody (Editor), Hermínio Martins (Editor)

Max Weber s lecture Science as a Vocation is a classic of social thought, in which central questions are posed about the nature of social and political thought and action. The lecture has often taken to be a summation of Weber s thought. It can also be argued that, together with the responses of its admirers and critics, it provides a focus for discussion of the nature of modernity and its political consequences, and of the philosophical and political implications of the social or human sciences. This volume provides a full, clear, revised translation of the lecture, together with translations from the German of key contributions to the lively debate that followed its publication. The book concludes with a substantial essay on the current significance of the lecture, which discusses its relevance to the debates about the nature of science as a cultural phenomenon; the disjunction between science and nature; Weber s conception of the disenchantment of the world; the division of scientific labour; and the fundamental nature and place of sociology.

236 pages, Hardcover

First published February 1, 1989

Reviews

[أميرة · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is an OK book if you like Max Weber. I, however, thought it was such a bore. I only read it because I had to write a paper on what Mr. Weber thought of making a living off the production of social science. I'd rather watch Toy Story for the gazillionth time!

[Carrie · Rating 3 out of 5]

現代學術追求技術，但不回答應然問題。以藝術學為例，它試圖回答為何而美，卻不追問我們該追求美嗎。在人間創造壯麗，是不是對上帝的背離？美學核心的貴族精神，是不是違反博愛呢？

在人類歷史上，學術曾服務於各種偉大的目標，從柏拉圖《理想國》裡動人的篇章開始，學術是為了探究洞穴外「真正的存在」，嗣後，它是為通往「真正藝術」、「真正自然」、「真神」、或「真正幸福」。這些目標對人類最為重要，試圖通往目標的探索，則成為指導我們的信仰、一組應然規範、一套宇宙觀世界觀人生觀。

今天，終生追求學術意味什麼？我們的追求是為了走向信仰、解鎖終極的奧秘，或是什麼？

Isaish 11:11-12
A prophecy against Dumah:
Someone calls to me from Seir,
“Watchman, what is left of the night?
Watchman, what is left of the night?”
12 The watchman replies,
“Morning is coming, but also the night.
If you would ask, then ask;
and come back yet again.”

論度瑪的默示：有人聲從西珥呼問我說：守望的啊，夜裡如何？守望的啊，夜裡如何？
守望的說：早晨將到，黑夜也來。你們若要問就可以問，可以回頭再來。

[Margaret Gray · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm not a sociologist, which was probably the problem. More importantly I don't care about sociology. I hated the experience of reading this book :( I didn't finish it :(

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

(read a selection) interesting thoughts, esp. on science vs. art and on the (lack) of value of science beyond practical knowledge