Max Weber's concept of Verstehen (interpretive understanding) is his unique approach to the objectivity-subjectivity debate in sociology. The debate fundamentally questions whether social science can achieve objective, universal laws like natural sciences (positivism) or if it's inherently subjective, dealing with human meanings.

Weber argued that sociology must understand the subjective meanings and motivations that individuals attach to their social actions. This moves beyond mere external observation of behavior. However, Verstehen is not purely subjective intuition. Weber emphasized that this interpretive understanding must be systematic, rational, and verifiable by comparing interpretations with observable behavior and broader social patterns.

Thus, Weber sought an "objectively valid" interpretation of subjective meaning. By empathically grasping an actor's perspective while maintaining methodological rigor and empirical verification, sociology could objectively analyze subjective phenomena. This bridges the gap by making the understanding of individual consciousness and social meaning a central, yet scientifically rigorous, endeavor, establishing sociology's distinct approach to knowledge.