Weber held two distinct methodological commitments: (1) providing explanations at an action-theoretic level, and (2) choosing a specific model of rational action (ideal type) for use at that level.
Behavior where a person thinks through their options carefully and chooses the action that best helps them achieve their goal. It assumes people aren't making random or emotional decisions, but logical ones.
Weber(as the main philosopher being discussed)
Max Weber was a German sociologist (1864-1920) who developed methods for understanding why people act the way they do by looking at their inner motivations and beliefs.
ideal type(Weber's terminology; rational choice theory and communicative action theory are examples of competing ideal types)
The specific model of rational action that a methodological individualist proposes to employ at the action-theoretic level of explanation.
Nevertheless, as a result of Elster’s arguments, methodological individualism became synonymous in many quarters with the commitment to rational choice theory. Such an equation generally fails to distinguish what were for Weber two distinct methodological issues: the commitment to providing explanations at an action-theoretic level, and the specific model of rational action that one proposes to use at that level (i.e., the ideal type). There are multiple permutations. For instance, there is no r