Role of Rationality Essay

Title: Role of Rationality
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Abstract
The idea of rationality was and is still the most discussed of the philosophies propounded by Max Weber. This connotes the impact this contentious theory has on both the social, economic and political spheres. To a great extent, rationality was seen as an idea that was far from being a true reflection of what really was going on in the modernizing world. It sparked so much criticism leading to a number of literally works to challenge and some to discuss the pros and cons of thinking and believing in the same way as Weber thought. However, despite the criticism and all the discussions against the idea, it is evident that Max Weber’s theory influenced peoples’ thinking and thus played a role worth noting in the development of the humans socially, politically and economically. With that in mind, this paper therefore discussed the contribution Weber’s theory made to the society and brings out the roles played by the theory in the current world. It also looks at the disadvantages brought about by the same theory.
Introduction
As earlier mentioned, Weber played a role in the development of the social, economic and political spheres of human life. Weber played an important role using his concept of rationality. The theory has indeed been employed in various fields and to a great extent, has positively contributed to the current development in the society. The main areas to consider in order to come up with its role is first understanding what Weber meant by using the term rationality. From there it would be important to focus on the various types of rationality so that we understand which type was mostly considered to be most effective. It would then also be worth looking at the various fields to see the role played by rationality in making the society to be as it is now. This would therefore help predict future occurrences and also provide a platform for future advanced developments given its current contributions. It can also help avert failures in future by considering the ones that have been already made and rectifying them.
Marx Weber contributed greatly in developing the modern society when he came up with the concept of rationality in social theory of rationalization. Whimster (2014) defined rationalisation as a process of changing ways of peoples’ actions or their culture as a motivator for behavioural change in societies with more rational and well calculated ideas. Rationality ensures that human beings’ behaviour is influenced by reason and practicality. Whimster also maintained a perspective that rationalization of societies was the main cause of industrial revolution, developments and capitalism. Rationality has played major roles in societies (Alexander, 1989).
From earlier times, rationality was applied by different people differently (Whimster, 2014). There are those who practise practical rationality. In this case they focus on the end result and this enables them to know which cause to pursue in order to gain what they want. Whimster also says that there are others who prefer theoretical rationality. This group of people derive basic concepts from reasoning. They look at an e...