Identify the main idea of his work by finding the central topic presented in the introduction. For example, if you want to identify the main concepts in Economy and Society, his most important book, you would skim the introduction for topic sentences that you could link together to create a coherent statement of his central concepts. This is possible but difficult to do with Economy and Society, as the book is far-reaching in scope. Nonetheless, you should be able to pick out his arguments against Marxism and his own understanding of capitalist alienation.
Find the main idea of The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism again by perusing the introduction for topic sentences that create an understanding of the work. For example, you should locate his idea that the Protestant work ethic leads to a rise in capitalism. After locating the central ideas in the introduction, you can use the table of contents to delve more deeply into one or more of the topics.
Discuss Weber's ideas by stating a quotation or summarizing an idea from his canon and offer a concise interpretation. You might include your opinion of the accuracy or correctness of his ideas.