Weber, Rationality and Cultural Man: The Position and Role of Rationality in the Formation of Cultural Values

Abstract

In this article, we attempt to evaluate the place of values ​​and culture in modern rational civilization from Weber's perspective. Despite Weber's emphasis on the rationalization of various dimensions and aspects of modern daily life in Western societies, especially the consequences of such rationality, namely the widespread bureaucracy and the advances and dominance of technology over human relations, Weber believes that what cannot be rationalized are the human and ultimate values ​​of cultural man. From this perspective, rationality justifies the means that have been developed to achieve a goal, but the goals, and especially the ultimate goals, can never be included in the circle of such rationality. Hence, these values ​​will remain irrational. The result of such a situation will be the eternal grip of the gods on these ultimate goals and values. For this purpose, we have attempted to first trace the roots of the formation of the idea of ​​rationality and its relationship with ultimate values ​​in German idealism, and then to determine Weber's relationship with thinkers such as Nietzsche and Marx, with whom he presented a large part of his theories in contrast and similarity.