1. What is Weber's explanation for the historical rise of capitalism in Western Europe? How has capitalism been "rationalized," according to Weber?

2. What does Weber argue is the meaning of wealth in a capitalist society? How do religion and morality play a role in creating notions of wealth?

3. How does Weber view the relationship between culture and economics? How do cultural beliefs interact with economic systems? How does his perspective compare to that of Mauss, Malinowksi, and Marx?

4. What is Weber's view of human nature as it relates to economic activity? What factors shape human behavior? What does he mean by the "iron cage"?

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