Max Weber’s Methodology: The Method of Falsification Applied to Text Interpretations

Christian Etzrodt

Law Department, Yamanashi Gakuin University, Kofu, Japan.

DOI: 10.4236/ojpp.2014.43038                

Abstract

Text interpretations are usually leading to ambiguous results. This is especially the case for the interpretation of Max Weber’s methodology. I discuss Thomas Burger’s interpretation that Weber applied Rickert’s methodology and that he never developed his own standpoint regarding the methodological problems. In contrast to this view, I propose an alternative interpretation based on the Methodenstreitin economics and the philosophies of Kant and Rickert. In my opinion Weber offered a very unique solution to an old philosophical problem, which resulted in a complete break with the Platonic and Aristotelian tradition. His solution is what I call the postulate of internal consistency (a logical consistent application of an arbitrary scheme of interpretation). I will use Popper’s method of deductive falsification to decide if Burger’s or my interpretation produces fewer contradictions.

Keywords

Max Weber, Methodology, Ideal-Types, Verification, Intuition, Falsification, Postulate of Logical Cosistency

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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