CSUSM Incorporating Verstehen Discussion

Discussion Questions:

(1) In what ways do you use the method of verstehen in your own life? In other words, how do you engage the process of figuring out what is going on in other people’s heads? Think about it. It might not be as foreign a concept as it appears on the surface. Give examples.

(2) Weber’s conceptualizes rationalization as an historical force that is shaping society. Rationalization is present in all efforts to produce efficiencies through reproducing the same set of human relationships, tasks, and experiences across time and place. What are two or three examples of “rationalization” that affect your day-to-day experiences?