Sociology — Beliefs

• What religious beliefs helped bring major social change in northern Europe during the 16th and 17th centuries?


  Calvinism
• How did Weber differentiate between past societies' capitalism and modern capitalism?


  Past capitalism was driven by greed for luxury, while modern capitalism is systematic
• What term does Weber use to describe the essence of modern capitalism?


  'Spirit of capitalism'
• What does Weber mean by 'elective affinity' in relation to Calvinism?


  It refers to an unconscious similarity between the spirit of capitalism and Calvinist beliefs
• What is the concept of predestination in Calvinism?


  God has predetermined which souls will be saved
• Why do Calvinists feel an 'unprecedented inner loneliness' according to Weber?


  Because God is transcendent and incomprehensible, leaving them feeling isolated
• What does asceticism refer to in the context of Calvinism?


  Abstinence, self-discipline, and self-denial
• How did the idea of a vocation change with Calvinism?


  It shifted from renouncing everyday life to constant, methodical work as a religious duty
• What was the previous understanding of religious vocation before Calvinism?


  It meant renouncing everyday life to join a convent or monastery
• Why does Weber argue that capitalism did not develop in China and India?


  Due to the lack of a religious belief system like Calvinism
• What type of religion was Hinduism described as in ancient India?


  Ascetic religion
• How did Hinduism guide its followers according to Weber?


  It guided them away from material concerns towards the spiritual world
• What are the key beliefs of Calvinism that influenced the development of modern capitalism according to Weber?


  • Predestination: God's predetermined elect
  • Divine transcendence: God's incomparability and the resulting loneliness
  • Asceticism: Abstinence and self-discipline
  • Vocation: Methodical work as a religious duty
• What are the differences between the capitalist developments in Europe and those in China and India according to Weber?


  • Europe had Calvinism, which fostered capitalism
  • China and India lacked a similar religious belief system
  • Ancient India had Hinduism, which was ascetic and focused on the spiritual world
• What is the primary source of knowledge for Calvinists regarding God's plan for humanity?


  The Bible
• What is the purpose of a calling for a Calvinist?


  It is constant, methodical work as a religious duty
• How does Weber compare the economic conditions of China and India to Europe in ancient times?


  • China and India were more materially well off than Europe.
  • Capitalism did not develop in China and India.
  • The lack of a religious belief system like Calvinism contributed to this failure.
• What type of religion was Hinduism described as in ancient India?


  An ascetic religion
• What was the focus of Hinduism according to Weber?


  It guided followers towards the spiritual world
• How did Confucianism influence the growth of capitalism in ancient China?


  It discouraged the growth of rational capitalism
• What type of religion is Confucianism described as?


  A 'this-worldly' religion
• How did Confucianism differ from Calvinism in its approach to the material world?


  Confucianism directed followers to the material world but was not ascetic
• What do both Hinduism and Confucianism lack that is necessary for modern capitalism?


  • The drive to systematically accumulate wealth
  • A belief system that promotes economic growth
• How does Weber's view of capitalism differ from Marx's perspective?


  • Marx saw economic factors as the driving force of change.
  • Weber argued that specific cultural factors are also required for capitalism.
• What is Kautsky's critique of Weber's argument regarding capitalism?


  Kautsky argues Weber overestimates the role of ideas and underestimates economic factors
• According to Tawney, what caused the birth of capitalism?


  Technological change, not religious ideas
• What does Tawney suggest about the relationship between capitalism and Calvinist beliefs?


  Calvinist beliefs were adopted to legitimate the pursuit of economic gain after capitalism was established
• What criticism did Weber face regarding the development of capitalism in relation to Calvinism?


  Capitalism didn't develop in every country where there were Calvinists
• What argument is made about the role of Calvinists in the development of capitalism?


  Calvinists were among the first capitalists due to exclusion from political office and many professions
• What is the belief of Calvinists regarding predestination?

  God has already decided who will go to Heaven.
• What lifestyle do Calvinists lead?

  They live an ascetic life with self-discipline.
• What is 'divine transcendence' in Calvinism?

  God is beyond human understanding and knowledge.
• How does 'salvation panic' affect Calvinists?

  It creates anxiety about their salvation status.
• What is the difference between 'this worldly asceticism' and 'other-worldly asceticism'?

  • This worldly asceticism: Focus on methodical work in occupations.
  • Other-worldly asceticism: Focus on joining convents or monasteries.
• What psychological function does wealth serve for Calvinists?

  It helps them cope with 'salvation panic'.
• How do Calvinists accumulate wealth?

  Through a strong work ethic and efficient methods.
• What does Weber mean by the 'spirit of modern capitalism'?

  Money is made for its own sake through investment.
• Why did Confucianism hinder capitalism in China?

  Confucianists spent wealth on luxury instead of investing.
• How did Hinduism affect wealth accumulation in India?

  Hinduism's other-worldly orientation discouraged work and wealth.
• Why are Calvinists considered special in the context of capitalism?

  They had both the right religious and cultural factors.