Ideal type

An ideal type (also: Ideal type) is in the philosophy of science a targeted constructed concept, the cut-outs of social reality classified and recognized by singles out the essential aspects of (social) reality, and often oversubscribed with intention. As such, it represents an idea or ideal image and differs therefore from the empirical average of given type from Real.

The method of ideal-typical method was introduced by Max Weber in sociology. Weber's methodology of concept formation is based on that of Heinrich Rickert, a representative of the South-West German neo-Kantianism. In a non-specific sense, however, one can say today that the analysis of social reality with the help of ideal types is a common means of social science theory; we take as an example the models in economics and sociology.

Objectives of the ideal-typical concept formation

For Weber, the goal of the ideal-typical construction is gaining great discriminatory terms with which empirical phenomena can be organized and understood from the standpoint of their cultural significance. The objectives of the ideal-typical concept formation lie for him in the first place in the " heuristics " ( new knowledge ); next he wants the ability to judge schools (see below), and he hopes to stimulate with ideal types to the formation of research hypotheses.

Weber pursued in the ideal-typical concept formation is not an imaging description of social action, rather the ideal type is for him a "yardstick ", where the real action is to be measured. The ideal type itself is merely " Medium", " mental image " or purely " ideal limiting concept " in order to grasp reality analytically clear-cut can.

Construction of an ideal type

Max Weber describes the ideal type as " sided intensification of one or several aspects ." The design of an ideal type is done a priori by conceptual and factual abstract from features of social reality, it is thus modeling instead. Here Weber is going on strictly individualistic and asks about the motives of the individuals performing the acts. These motifs are " pointing " used by the researcher in order to "understand" (social ) action can. To form an ideal type is by the researcher from the observable actions and motives of individuals abstracted, it will construct a coherent system in statements. This system of statements is idealized and logically coherent.

Alexander von Schelting points out that one ideal type, which is based on the ( causal- adequate ) understanding of the motives of the agent, logically represents something else entirely as an ideal type, which analyzed ( unreal ) meaning and value relationships.

Theory and experience

Weber repeatedly emphasized that he sees sociology as an empirical science.

Since motives are not accessible to direct observation on the other hand, the sociologist must " indicate ", "understand". We can "understand" the behavior of people by direction detection - the behavior of ( biological ) cells, we can not "understand", but only functional capture ( cells have no motifs). Weber sees in mind acquiring a "power " of the interpretive against the empirically observable statement. However, this is paid for " by the much hypothetischeren and fragmentary character of the results to be obtained by interpretation " (W G § 1).

Weber states several times that the ideal type has a dual purpose. Firstly, it serves as a " yardstick". Secondly, it involves the juxtaposition of an ideal-typical construction with an empirically determined situation from which he then causalities ( history ) or regularities want to win ( sociology, economics ).

Examples of an ideal type

Weber is in his major work, the economy and society, various examples, including:

• Apparatus of rule: The ideal-typical differentiation between legal, of traditional and charismatic authority.
• Stock Exchange panic: Ideally, the stock market can be initially constructed a purposive-rational. It is shown how a stock market average or normally works, ie. , Without irrational emotions of the actors Only after the irrational components are introduced as interference.
• Moltke and Benedek, the " Campaign 1866 " (meaning the Austro-Prussian War ): First it must be determined how each of the two generals had acted purpose rationally in full knowledge of all the information in order to successfully defeat each other ( = (!) ideal typical course ). Then can be determined in a second step, as both actually negotiated taking into account of incorrect information, mistakes, errors in reasoning, etc. From this difference, Weber aims to identify causal analytically why Moltke ultimately won the battle of Hradec Králové and the war.
• Bureaucracy

" Accuracy rationality "

In "objectivity" is appropriately rational action nor the concept of " correctness rationality " oriented "Right rational" is the individual, if his actions to " objectively " correct value ideas.: Oriented ( culturally prescribed goals, such as " Germany as a great power " ) is. Since this value ideas to an objective treatment within the meaning ideal escape purposes ( " meaningless " ), Weber has made this term fall again. There is no objective mind - at least not with Max Weber. Ideal types are therefore not to be understood and to construct in the sense of what ought to be - not even an ethical Shall - but purely subjective in the sense of meaning ( interests, selfishness = rational ).