Puritanism and the Spirit of Capitalism Flashcards

Flashcards based on Max Weber's "Puritanism and the Spirit of Capitalism."

What did asceticism primarily oppose, according to Weber?

The spontaneous enjoyment of life and the pleasure existence has to offer.

What was the purpose of the Book of Sports issued by James I and Charles I?

To counteract Puritanism by permitting certain popular amusements on Sundays.

How did the Puritans view sport?

They accepted it if it served a rational purpose like recreation for physical efficiency, but were suspicious of it as a means for spontaneous expression.

What was the Puritan attitude toward aspects of culture without immediate religious value?

Suspicious and often hostile.

What type of literature and art was particularly affected by Puritan asceticism?

Non-scientific literature and the arts that appeal to the senses.

What characteristic limitation was placed on the toleration of pleasure in cultural goods?

They must not cost anything.

According to Weber, what idea bears with chilling weight, related to possessions?

A man’s duty to his possessions, to which he subordinates himself as an obedient steward, or even as an acquisitive machine.

What was the psychological effect of worldly Protestant asceticism on the acquisition of goods?

It freed the acquisition of goods from the inhibitions of traditionalistic ethics.

What did the Puritans condemn as 'idolatry of the flesh'?

The outward forms of luxury.

What did asceticism condemn regarding private wealth?

Both dishonesty and impulsive avarice, especially the pursuit of riches for their own sake.

According to asceticism, what was the attainment of wealth a sign of?

God’s blessing, as a fruit of labor in a calling.

What is the inevitable practical result when the limitation of consumption is combined with released acquisitive activity?

Accumulation of capital through ascetic compulsion to save.

How did English Mercantilist writers explain the superiority of Dutch capital?

Newly acquired wealth there did not regularly seek investment in land or feudal habits of life.

What type of social organization did Calvinism oppose?

“Organic” social organization in the fiscal-monopolistic form, particularly the alliance of Church and State with monopolists.

What did Puritan leaders place over against politically privileged monopoly industries?

The individualistic motives of rational legal acquisition by virtue of one’s own ability and initiative.

What was born from the spirit of Christian asceticism?

Rational conduct on the basis of the idea of the calling.

What inevitably conditions deeds according to Weber?

Renunciation.

What did fate decree should become of the 'cloak' of concern for external goods?

That the cloak should become an iron cage.

What is the pursuit of wealth associated with in the United States?

Purely competitive passions, often giving it the character of sport.

What did Puritan asceticism contribute to socio-political ethics?

Types of organization and the functions of social groups from the conventicle to the State.