"Personality" as a principle of individual and institutional development Lorenz von Stein's institutional theory of a "labour-society"

Eckart Pankoke

pp. 39-53

in: Peter Koslowski (ed), The theory of ethical economy in the historical school, Berlin, Springer, 1995

Abstract

Lorenz von Stein (1815-1890)¹ identified himself and his generation "between the epoches". His theory reflects the impression of a chaotic "labyrinth of movements". As a social historian and a social scientist von Stein understood himself as a neutral, objective observer outside and above the controversial social movements. In this consequence von Stein's history of the "social movements" was followed by a pragmatical theory of public administration and of modera social policy. Stein kept his distance from the era of revolution and took a detached view of the programs of social movements ascribing their ideals to economical and social interests.

Cited authors

Stein Edith