- 1. The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism, penned by sociologist Max Weber in the early 20th century, is a seminal work that explores the intricate relationship between the rise of modern capitalism and the ethical values associated with Protestantism, particularly Calvinism. Weber posits that the values of hard work, frugality, and economic success, which are central to Protestant belief systems, helped cultivate a spirit of capitalism that promotes relentless pursuit of profit and efficiency. He argues that the 'protestant work ethic' emerged as a driving force behind the development of capitalism in Western Europe, framing the act of economic success not merely as a means to an end but as a manifestation of one's faith and divine favor. This synergy between religious belief and economic activity was, according to Weber, pivotal in shaping the modern economic landscape, leading to a rationalized form of economic behavior that set the stage for the industrialized world. His analysis, while historical, delves into deeper philosophical questions about the implications of religious morality on economic systems and raises enduring questions about the nature of success, purpose, and the relationship between belief and behavior in the pursuit of wealth.
According to Weber, what is the 'spirit of capitalism'?
A) The pursuit of profit as a moral duty and end in itself.
B) A system of exploitative labor practices.
C) The desire to accumulate wealth for personal luxury.
D) Government intervention in free markets.
- 2. What Calvinist doctrine created a psychological pressure to pursue worldly success?
A) Predestination
B) Consubstantiation
C) Transubstantiation
D) The Trinity
- 3. How did believers seek signs of their 'election' or salvation in Calvinist theology?
A) Through frequent participation in holy communion.
B) Through pilgrimage to sacred sites.
C) Through disciplined work and worldly success.
D) Through monastic withdrawal from the world.
- 4. Which concept describes the rational, systematic organization of life for a religious goal?
A) Asceticism
B) Hedonism
C) Nihilism
D) Fatalism
- 5. Weber describes a shift from other-worldly asceticism to...
A) Secular hedonism.
B) Religious mysticism.
C) Inner-worldly asceticism.
D) Political anarchism.
- 6. According to Weber, what eventually happened to the religious roots of the capitalist spirit?
A) They faded, leaving behind a purely economic system.
B) They grew stronger and more dominant.
C) They merged with Eastern religious philosophies.
D) They were replaced by Catholic doctrines.
- 7. What did Benjamin Franklin represent for Weber's argument?
A) A critic of Protestant values.
B) An embodiment of the capitalist spirit.
C) A proponent of feudal economics.
D) An example of other-worldly asceticism.
- 8. What is an 'ideal type' in Weber's sociology?
A) A perfect example of a social group.
B) A conceptual model used to analyze social phenomena.
C) A utopian vision for society.
D) A statistical average of behaviors.
- 9. Which of these is NOT a trait Weber associates with the capitalist spirit?
A) Honesty as the best policy.
B) Pursuit of wealth for hedonistic pleasure.
C) Frugality and avoidance of debt.
D) Punctuality and efficiency.
- 10. What did Luther's concept of the 'calling' (Beruf) contribute?
A) It encouraged retreat from worldly affairs.
B) It sanctified everyday worldly labor.
C) It justified the divine right of kings.
D) It promoted the selling of indulgences.
- 11. Who is the author of 'The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism'?
A) Adam Smith
B) Karl Marx
C) Max Weber
D) Emile Durkheim
- 12. What historical period does Weber associate with these changes?
A) Reformation
B) Renaissance
C) Enlightenment
D) Industrial Revolution
- 13. What psychological burden did predestination create for Calvinists?
A) Dread of purgatory
B) Guilt over original sin
C) Salvation anxiety
D) Fear of hellfire
- 14. Which country does Weber use as a primary example of capitalist development?
A) United States
B) France
C) Italy
D) Russia
- 15. What methodological approach does Weber use in this work?
A) Ideal type analysis
B) Historical materialism
C) Positivism
D) Phenomenology
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