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Choice

In: Conservative Capitalism

Author

Listed:
  • David Reisman

Abstract

The norm is instrumental rationality: ‘It is one of the fundamental characteristics of an individualistic capitalistic economy that it is rationalized on the basis of rigorous calculation, directed with foresight and caution toward the economic success which is sought.’ (Weber, 1904–5:76). Decision-makers living out the imperatives of a non-capitalist ethos will see no incongruity and incur no penalties when they act ‘in terms of affectual orientation, especially emotional’; or where their choice is ‘traditionally oriented, through the habituation of long practice’; or where their action, wertrational, is the emanation of ‘a conscious belief in the absolute value of some ethical, aesthetic, religious, or other form of behaviour, entirely for its own sake and independently of any prospects of external success’ (Weber, 1947:115). Actors living in the individualistic capitalistic economy will have to judge themselves by the strict standard of the cost-effective pay-off.

Suggested Citation

  • David Reisman, 1999. "Choice," Palgrave Macmillan Books, in: Conservative Capitalism, chapter 2, pages 15-47, Palgrave Macmillan.
    • Handle: RePEc:pal:palchp:978-0-333-98278-5_2
    DOI: 10.1057/9780333982785_2
    as

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