Philosophy
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Explore reality avoiding the irrational and unknowable.
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PHILOSOPHY
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Critical Thinking
Story
Born 1864.
Max Weber (1864–1920)
Lived from 1864 to 1920, aged 56 years.
Authority
Max Weber showed that people obey authority not because it is morally right, but because it appears legitimate within a recognized structure. As societies modernize, authority shifts from persons to systems. The rules, offices, and procedures make obedience feel responsible even for immoral actions.
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History
Quote
Power is the ability to carry out one’s will despite resistance.
- Max Weber
- 1922, posthumously, edited by Marianne Weber
Authority
Primarily 1910–1914 (unfinished manuscript)
By distinguishing power from authority, Weber showed that modern systems govern through legitimacy rather than force. When legitimacy is no longer anchored to truth and accountability, authority does not disappear: it hardens into authoritarianism.
Featured FAQ
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History
FAQ
What does history teach us about authoritarian rule?
Authority
Authoritarianism is rarely imposed all at once. It grows gradually as people trade judgment for order, responsibility for procedure, and conscience for compliance. History warns us that the most dangerous systems are not those enforced by terror alone, but those maintained by ordinary people doing what feels normal, expected, and legitimate.
Philosophy
Disciplined Reflection
Understanding reality through reason.
Philosophy examines what is, what ought to be, and what may become. It bridges science and worldview, refining the lenses through which we interpret reality. To form a coherent worldview, belief, evidence, and skepticism must work together—not in isolation.
Updated Articles
Ontology | Particle Physics | Unification
Empty Space: A Dive into Particle Physics
Particle Physics
Empty space is not nothing—it is structured, active, and defined by fields, particles, and forces.
Mon 27 May 2024
(2 years ago)
Updated 1 week ago.
Philosophy of Mind | Relativity
The Nature of Time
Time
Time is not a ticking metronome; it is the ledger of causation.
Sun 2 Jun 2024
(2 years ago)
Updated 1 week ago.
Artificial Intelligence | Ontology | Religion | TST Philosophy
Philosophy: The Existence and Essence Debate
Existence
In religion and philosophy, the existence and essence debate asks if you exist before your time on Earth.
Sun 9 Feb 2025
(1 year ago)
Updated 3 weeks ago.
Deep-Dive Articles
No Kings Has Deep Historical Roots
Recent protests reflect the timeless struggle to limit power and oppression using checks and balances.
Philosophy: The Existence and Essence Debate
In religion and philosophy, the existence and essence debate asks if you exist before your time on Earth.
Pragmatism and Pythagoras
Pythagoras exemplifies rational pragmatism, balancing empirical insights with mystical beliefs. He reminds us that even flawed ideas can spark progress.
Must-Reads
Epistemology
Pragmatism and Pythagoras
Pythagoras exemplifies rational pragmatism, balancing empirical insights with mystical beliefs. He reminds us that even flawed ideas can spark progress.
Ethics
Existential Toolkit: Evolution’s Consciousness Misstep
Existentialism evolved during the post medieval time. At its core, existentialism is about discovering your authentic self. You, in your environment, in your time, living ...
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