Max Weber philosophy

STRENGTH
its good at explaining the role an individual plays in small scale interactions
by taking the micro approach you are able to focus on small scale interactions, and the
motives and meanings behind said interactions
its good at understanding peoples motives behind their actions
you can understand someones motives and weber believes its people motives that keep
society running. for example law exists because peoples instinct is to be protected
its good at explaining that institutions exist because of rational action
clearly shows that institutions function in a certain way because of individuals rational,
well thought out actions. for example education

WEAKNESS
its weak because it ignores how society is shaped and instead focuses on actions of
individuals
it ignores the way society is shaped because it takes the micro approach so the bigger
picture is neglected. the bigger picture being that society shapes peoples minds.
its weak because bureaucratic organisations are no longer as dominant in society
society is no longer characterised by bureaucracies (large scale organisations) and
humans now focus more on the institutions which shape the structure
weak because too much focus is put on structures and not enough attention on the
power an individual has in society
by focusing too much on how bureaucracies are a structure not enough detail is given in
how an individual shapes society. by blurring the lines between structural and action
theory it cant convince people that society is shaped that way.

OPPPORTUNITIES
Policies can be implemented without fear or favourism
Public officials can focus their duties without intervention
Provide factual information to the policy makers (equal and fair policy)
No discrimination based on political alliances
Can be implemented by meritorious public officers
Discrimination Control

Threats
Policy making and implementation can be lopsided / bias
Segment of population with wealth will increase and some will continue to be deprived
Immunity against public criticism and comment
KARL MARX

STRENGTH
He changed the way people looked at societies.
He believed that having all the money with only a few people and the common working class
person didn’t have enough, would lead to a revolution to a classless society
His theories have made people follow him and to overthrow their government for the idea of
equality.
Karl Marx has changed the world with his writings, theories, and way of thought.

Weakness
Marxism have come from various political ideologies which include ethical and economical
criticisms.
• Democratic socialists and social democrats reject the idea that socialism can be accomplished
through class conflict and a proletarian revolution.
• Some thinkers have rejected the fundamentals of Marxist theory, such as historical materialism
and the labour theory of value, and gone on to criticise capitalism - and support socialism -
using other arguments.
• Some contemporary supporters of Marxism argue that many aspects of Marxist thought are
viable, but that the corpus is incomplete or somewhat out-dated in regards to certain aspects of
economic, political or social theory.

Opportunities
• Elaboration of the conflict model of society, specifically his theory of social change based on
antagonisms between classes.
• The idea that power originates primarily in economic production.
• Concern with the social origins of alienation.
• Understanding of modern capitalism. • Welfare State.

Threats
Over-concentration:
Economically determinist
Overlooked
Capitalism has proven to be more durable and flexible.
Unscientific.
Ignored the role and position of women