The concept of power

Weber

Note: the additional Weber reading is on e-reserve, listed as "Intellectual Orientations" by Mills.

Here are some discussion questions. Feel free to begin now, or discuss after tomorrow's lecture:

Marx saw power as one thing, from one source, but Weber, we are told, saw political power and economic power as distinct entities. Why--what is the importance of keeping this distinction?

For Marx, interests drive, define, shape, and perhaps even create ideologies. How does Weber differ on the interest/ideology relationship?

For Marx, 'capitalism' was the central defining institution of modern society. For Weber, it was the 'rational bureaucracy' whether it was a military, a religious organization, a corporation or a government. Why the shift in emphasis?

What is the significance of the concept of 'charisma' to Weber? Why would Marx be skeptical of such a concept?

Weber distinguishes between different types of action and different forms of power:

--rational
--traditional
--affectual

Each of these types of action must be understood as stemming from different forms of power. What is the difference between these types of action, and how can we tell the difference?

Marx accepts the notion of objective interests, while Weber rejects it. Why do they make the choices they make? What are the consequences of those choices?

How does Weber define power (see Power, pg. 29)? How is power different from domination? Why does this distinction matter for Weber?

posted by David Watkins @ 3:29 PM