Role of Rationality Essay

Title: Role of Rationality
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Abstract
The idea of rationality was and is still the most discussed of the philosophies propounded by Max Weber. This connotes the impact this contentious theory has on both the social, economic and political spheres. To a great extent, rationality was seen as an idea that was far from being a true reflection of what really was going on in the modernizing world. It sparked so much criticism leading to a number of literally works to challenge and some to discuss the pros and cons of thinking and believing in the same way as Weber thought. However, despite the criticism and all the discussions against the idea, it is evident that Max Weber’s theory influenced peoples’ thinking and thus played a role worth noting in the development of the humans socially, politically and economically. With that in mind, this paper therefore discussed the contribution Weber’s theory made to the society and brings out the roles played by the theory in the current world. It also looks at the disadvantages brought about by the same theory.
Introduction
As earlier mentioned, Weber played a role in the development of the social, economic and political spheres of human life. Weber played an important role using his concept of rationality. The theory has indeed been employed in various fields and to a great extent, has positively contributed to the current development in the society. The main areas to consider in order to come up with its role is first understanding what Weber meant by using the term rationality. From there it would be important to focus on the various types of rationality so that we understand which type was mostly considered to be most effective. It would then also be worth looking at the various fields to see the role played by rationality in making the society to be as it is now. This would therefore help predict future occurrences and also provide a platform for future advanced developments given its current contributions. It can also help avert failures in future by considering the ones that have been already made and rectifying them.
Marx Weber contributed greatly in developing the modern society when he came up with the concept of rationality in social theory of rationalization. Whimster (2014) defined rationalisation as a process of changing ways of peoples’ actions or their culture as a motivator for behavioural change in societies with more rational and well calculated ideas. Rationality ensures that human beings’ behaviour is influenced by reason and practicality. Whimster also maintained a perspective that rationalization of societies was the main cause of industrial revolution, developments and capitalism. Rationality has played major roles in societies (Alexander, 1989).
From earlier times, rationality was applied by different people differently (Whimster, 2014). There are those who practise practical rationality. In this case they focus on the end result and this enables them to know which cause to pursue in order to gain what they want. Whimster also says that there are others who prefer theoretical rationality. This group of people derive basic concepts from reasoning. They look at an environment around them and try to describe, explain or understand the phenomenon. There is also the substantive rationality group. People who consider this method look at various possible values or action and try to make them to be consistent. For example they can focus on religious values (Alexander, 1989). We also have formal rationality which is characterized by bureaucratic organisations. It involves rules and regulations that are universal.
To begin with, rationality plays a central role in the modern legal systems. In the past, there were traditional leaders such as queens and kings, tribal chiefs and their assistants who administered over their sphere of influence (Cotterrell & Queen, 2006). They made major decisions concerning their people and passed on judgments. Some were driven by their beliefs and emotions leading to judgments that were biased and favoured some over the others. However, modern societies operate under a rational legal system (Alexander, 1989). For instance, there are different and clearly defined forms of governance such as democratic governments that have rationalized qualitative means to deal with the concerns of the people.
Rationality also ensures that there are calculable laws which is a form of administration and adjudication that ensures predictable outcomes (Alexander, 1989). In democratic governments for example, there is the Legislature that is responsible for formulation of laws, the Judiciary that interprets the laws made by Legislature and the Executive that ensures this laws are implemented (Cotterrell & Queen, 2006). In order for these laws to be accepted and be effective they have to go through several procedures of total scrutiny. It is only after the people are comfortable with the laws that these proposed laws are signed into law. After the laws have been passed, everyone has the freedom to know the law to be aware of the consequences of their actions (Cotterrell & Queen, 2006).
Administration of law and justice is easily understood by the understanding of the concept of rationality. Through the idea of rationality, a reasonable reduction in cases of unjust rulings was noticed. Nowadays, taking control over uncertainties in the society when rationality is applied is a walk in the park. Human beings are bound to be doubtful and worried especially in situations when they have no idea of what is expected of them. To minimise this, there has been the creation of rational rules and methods that are geared towards dealing with such unclear situations (Alexander, 1989).
These rules do not just focus on specific situations. Rather, they deal with wider possibilities to help reduce uncertainties in case such occurrences happened in future (Alexander, 1989). For example there are organisations such as civil rights organizations that are created to ensure that basic human rights are protected. Right to life, as one of the fundamental rights is guaranteed for everyone regardless of where one comes from. This therefore ensures that people can move from one place to another without fear of losing their lives. Also, in market places there are measures to control forces of demand and supply that help control gaining profit through unscrupulous means as well as ensuring that when market prices fall, people do not suffer big losses.
It is clear from sources that rationalisation precipitated the emergence of bureaucratic states, industrial organisations and development (Whimster, 2014). In that matter, bureaucracy is seen as a tool for rationalisation of every increasing complex activities carried on in organisations. Bureaucracy is a rational legal form designed to promote the rationalisation of organisations and tasks (Whimster 2014). The existence of bureaucratic organisations in the society is an achievement of the application of formal rationality in organising the society into different social structures. Each and every structure has rules that govern relations and this ensures that individuals have some basic freedoms and limitations.
Also, there are several characteristics associated with bureaucratic organisations that have been made through a rationalised process. People are free to move. They have the right to take a job or resign when it does not work out for them. They also have the right to pick a job that they truly desire and cannot be forced to stick to a particular job. There is respect and no one is allowed to take others for granted in spite of the position they hold in the organisations. This ensures that each and every individual is working to the best of their ability without feeling intimidated.
In bureaucratic organisations, duties or powers are hierarchical. This means that they are arranged with ranks from the bottom to the top hence some officers have power over others. Whimster (2014) argues that some people having more power than others can lead to superiority complex and hence seeing the rest of the colleagues as inferior. For this reason the power is delegated only to that office and not the individual. Each and every individual is therefore accountable for his or her actions in his or her office. Further, there is also a clearly defined sphere of competence. Each and every office carries its own duties. Employees have the obligation to fulfil their duties accordingly. They have been given the authority to perform their duties without anybody interfering with their activities.
Jobs delegated to employees are also clearly defined. This ensures that people are not confused on what they ought to do. Rationality also ensures that there are calculable laws which is a form of administration and adjudication that...