Weber exposes some difficult truths regarding scientific academic existence. He talks about how universities are more inclined to hire lecturers who have the ability to attract crowds. He speaks about science’s increasing specializtion and how the discoveries that are made today will soon be forgotten. Plato’s analogy of men chainsed in front of a wall with light behind them – the sun of truth and science – is used by him. It is the true pholosopher who reveals that light to others and encourages them to seek their true nature. But if science’s truths are constantly being rewritten and updated as new truths emerge, what can we believe to be the final truth?
He states that scientists are forced to use their blinkers to specialize and that this is detrimental to science. Instead, he encourages scientists not to be distracted by their work.
He believes that the advancements in civilisaiton and scientific discovery are linked and that the constant stream of discoveries (due the obsoletion and previous ideas) is crucial to development. He does however see that the advancements in science and technology lead to the loss of magic and an intellectualization of our worldview. Weber continues to state that our lives are less fulfilled and more enjoyable when there is no mystery. This theme can be seen in Civilisation with its discontents. Freud questions, “Why aren’t we happy about all this technology?”
Weber discusses politics as a science when I see a relevant point. Lecturers must not allow personal politics to be part of the science behind politics. Instead, they should present each model for its merits as well as its disadvantages. He says that lecturers can easily impose their opinions on students in lecture settings. There is no discussion or quesioning. The party room should not be used for personal politics.
Weber describes briefly how studying political science as a science can prove useful. That is, by using an empirical way of determining which models are the most effective. My view is that the most important aspect of studying politics is being able to read and extract the motivations and thoughts of the authors within written pieces. The science and art of politics are not only about manipulating or persuading others, but also to ask and argue questions. Weber states that scientists work to make others better. By studying philosophy and politics, Weber believes that we contribute to society’s progress through the science of politics.
