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Formal Rationality In Modern Society

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Kalberg’s distinction between four kinds of rationality is endorsed in construing Weber’s usage of the term. This provides the framework for then discussing the role of theoretical rationality in disenchanting the traditional religious views of reality. Formal rationality is then discussed in relation to bureaucratic systems that dominate contemporary Western society. For Weber, these systems are means-end orientated and consequently are a dehumanising force. An objection to this is then presented as formal rationality gives rise to technological advancement which in turn has humanising capabilities in contemporary Western society. Marx’s concept of alienation is then introduced and related back to formal rationality in their similarity of …show more content…

This has been linked specifically with systems of government and bureaucracy. However, there is a sense in which formal rationality can do the reverse, where it can improve persons autonomy, choice, give voice to emotion, identity, and their ends. The argument here is that certain technological advancements as the product of formally rationalised systems are capable of doing the aforementioned and that this too is a feature of contemporary society. Consider the instrumental value a washing machine has in terms of eliminating the washday that disproportionately affected women. This product of formally rational systems is produced and distributed widely in contemporary Western society and liberates persons from the menial task of washing clothes and the relevant negative emotions therein (Pinker 277ish). Another example would be the internet. Companies provide this service through formally rational means and it is itself the product of such a system of rationality. Nonetheless, the value it offers contemporary society in terms of community, relationships, communication, self-exploration, freedom of information, education, and entertainment are at odds with Weber’s conception of rationality as dehumanising. These formally rational systems of bureaucracy are themselves used as means to ends: as means of at least in part improving the lived experiences of persons. Thus, while rationality as Weber construed it is a feature in contemporary Western society within the bureaucratic domain, it is not a complete picture as his focus on formal rationality as dehumanising is

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