The Past and Present Influence of World Views

Abstract

Weber’s definition of world views is summarized and the several ways in which world views in his sociology influence the formation of social groupings are outlined. The manner in which a ‘sustaining’ and a ‘dynamic’ autonomy characterize world views is noted; their capacity to constitute foundational and ‘background’ forces for (a) a methodical-rational organization of life and (b) historical developments and social change is also addressed. The influence of world views is then discussed in reference to the crucial question of how their ‘autonomy’ is conveyed; salvation doctrines, social carriers and various ‘social configurations’, it is argued, are indispensable. Finally, Weber’s analysis of an epoch in which world views have lost a great deal of their original influence - namely our own - is examined. Do societies ‘require’ world views? Are the consequences significant when world views become severely weakened? World views, it is concluded, constitute a significant concept for sociological analysis, yet one heretofore widely neglected.