Abstract

Weber's methodological writings reveal an epistemological tension between an interpretative and a scientific conception of knowledge. He argues that social action has to be understood in terms of its subjective meaning for individuals, and that this action is not necessarily consistent or logical. On the other hand, however, this action can only be scientifically studied through the use of categories and models based on logic. In theory, this creates a tension between his concepts of the "method of understanding" and of "adequacy at the level of meaning." In practice, Weber resolves this methodological conflict. As he uses them, the categories of value and of knowledge derive from and reflect a universal structure of noological. substratum of human thought. The thoughts and ideas of both social actor and social scientist are formed from a single objective basis