Authority and Education

The crisis of authority seems common-place these days, unproblematic and without any major implication in the life of individuals and the community; in fact, authority is rather expected to be evicted from sensitive spaces, like education. Although it is not 'hip', our work aims to demonstrate the durability of authority, urging reflection on its manifesting forms in times of uncertainty and crisis; in other words, the crisis of authority should be accompanied by an effervescence of the issue of authority and its implications at individual and social level. Authority is neither oppressive nor does it block self-manifestation on the part of those who acknowledge it; on the contrary, I say, it is the essential condition of authority and a sign of maturity to allow one to recognize the superiority of another, without affecting one's self-esteem. There is no equality in knowledge, and there will always be people that would enhance others by their mere presence and whom we call masters, tutors, teachers or bearers of authority; they are ready to meet the need for clarification and understanding of others, that we call disciples, immature individuals, students or subjects of authority.