“理解”的应用及其缺憾——韦伯《新教伦理与资本主义精神》解读

“Understanding”: Application and Defects ——An Analysis of The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism

韦伯的“理解”以方法论个体主义为基础,承人文主义之传统,与实证主义相依托。《新教伦理与资本主义精神》一书是韦伯理解方法应用的一个实例。该书的视角与分析逻辑、理想型的建构、拟情的体验与动机解释均体现了理解的特质及其方法论思路,文献资料与统计数据则为主观理解提供了客观支持。但是韦伯“理解”方法本身有其缺陷,该书在理解方法的具体应用上也存在缺憾,因而韦伯的论证不能完全令人信服。

Max Weber’s “understanding” based on individualistic methodology is deeply influenced by the humanist tradition, and integrated with some characteristics of positivism. The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism is an application of “understanding” method. In this book, the angle of view, the constitution of ideal type, the interpretation by empathy, and the use of literature and statistical data all embody the thought of “understanding”. However, there have remained some defects with both the method of understanding and the application of understanding, so the argumentation of Weber is not completely convincing.