40 pages • 1 hour read
Max WeberThe Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1905A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Essay Topics
1.
What is the “spirit of capitalism,” as defined by Weber? Do you think such a spirit continues to define life in capitalist society? Why or why not?
2.
In Chapter 5, Weber argues that the spirit of capitalism has formed a “steel-hard casing” that serves to bind individuals instead of making them free (124). In what ways does Weber argue that capitalism entraps individuals and limits their growth? Do you agree with his argument?
3.
What is economic traditionalism? How does it limit the development of a capitalist society?
