Comparison between Weber and Marx
Both Marx and Weber are critical to modern capitalist society, but Weber’s theory is
moderate to some extent (and thus often easy to accept politically), while Marx is
more radical politically.
Most of Weber’s work derived from detailed historical study. Thus it sounded very
scientific and academic. Marx also did much serious research, but his way of writing
was often too critical.
In terms of philosophy, Weber adopted cause-and-effect thinking, while Marx adopted
dialectic logic.
Lastly, Weber offered broader approach (religion, law, the city, or even music) for the
analysis of the social world, than Marx’s narrow focus on the economy