Search

Max Weber is often cited as an enigmatic figure because of the tension between scholarship and politics which his entire adult life allegedly manifested. Others prefer a psychoanalytic reduction, concerned as they are with discrediting his pessimistic version of the future of western civilization. But few have been interested in bringing to light the clear tension in his scholarly work between sociological theory and social theorizing. In what follows, I offer an interpretation of Weber's work based on just such a on. That Weber refused to 'leave his post' and speak to the first principles which the western project presumes, when these principles were not his own, had serious consequences for him. In effect, one of Weber's greatest accomplishments is precisely the way he speaks to the limits of sociology while staying true to those limits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Discusses technological developments in social scientific forecasting. Problems in social scientific forecasting; Use of methods dependent on and are derived from linear extrapolation; Absence of human dimension in discussions of technology; Dependence of linear extrapolation on causal reasoning and on conception of technology.

Addresses the sense and significance of the term supranationality for the European Union. Supranationality as belief in the compatibility of one's citizenship and nationality to be supplemented by a larger regional and transnational perspective on part or all of Europe; Challenge to participatory democracy.

Responds to social philosopher L.J. Ray's criticism on the author's research paper titled 'Science, Critique and Criticism. The 'Open Society' 'revisited.' Significant differences between philosophical theorist Habernas and first-generation critical theorists; Similarities between the beliefs of social scientist Karl Popper and Habernas.