The Protestant Ethic and Capitalism

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that, according to sociologist Max Weber, the development of the spirit of capitalism was influenced decisively by Protestantism; he supports his theory by studying systematically the philosophies of four Protestant and concludes that the ethics of these sects define standards of conduct, which foster the values of capitalism. The author points out that Weber acknowledges that the need to acquire has been a part of the nature of man throughout history and argues that the ethics of Protestantism superimpose a morality upon this instinct, which are carefully delineated in codes of acceptable behavior. The paper relates that Weber writes that Methodists are the embodiment of rational discussed western thought, employing defined methods to obtaining a state of grace and religious merit; whereas, the Baptists combine some of the aspects of mysticism in their practice of seeking a state of ecstasy in religious fervor.

From the Paper:

"The early Catholic philosophers repeated emphasized the inherent lack of spiritual value in anything temporal and defined contemplation of the deity and prayer, contrition along with the practice of ritualistic sacraments as the way to gain eternal life. The Reformation reduced the Church's control over everyday life and substituted a new form of the control in opposition to the Catholic preoccupation with the authority of the clergy. What came into the forefront of Reformist philosophy was a tighter discipline in contrast to the Catholic philosophy which tolerated the sinner providing there was repentance. Calvinism, despite imposing nearly intolerable control over the individual, was the prevailing religion in the most economically developed areas of Europe, leading Weber to conclude that the reformed faith promoted the spirit of capitalism more than any other ideology."

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