How did Weber link rationality to capitalism, science, and bureaucracy in Western society?

For Max Weber, the process of rationalization was the defining characteristic of Western modernization, acting as a central force that shaped capitalism, science, and bureaucracy.12

• Capitalism: Weber argued that the "Protestant ethic"—specifically the Calvinist emphasis on a worldly calling and ascetic self-denial—provided the psychological motivation for the rational accumulation of capital. By viewing economic success as a sign of divine grace, individuals adopted a systematic, disciplined approach to labor and profit that fueled the rise of modern capitalist institutions.32
• Science: Rationalization led to the "disenchantment of the world," where scientific methods replaced supernatural or religious explanations for natural phenomena. This shift prioritized empirical laws and regularities, rendering the world predictable and intellectualized, though Weber warned that science could not answer fundamental questions of value or morality.14
• Bureaucracy: Weber viewed bureaucracy as the highest development of the rational principle. It represented an impersonal, impartial system of administration governed by formal procedures and laws, designed to eliminate traditional or "irrational" considerations like kinship or personal status.1

Ultimately, Weber saw these developments as a double-edged sword: while they fostered efficiency and progress, they also risked creating an "unillusioned" environment that could stifle human creativity and emotional depth.14