Respect for Authority Linguistically, the English Word

Respect for Authority

Linguistically, the English word "authority" is derived from the Latin auctoritas, which means advice, opinion, influence, or command. The word has a number of contextual meanings -- in politics and government it usually means power "the ability to influence," and somewhat of a claim to legitimacy; in psychology it means power over the individual; in political philosophy it means balancing freedom of action with the greater good; and in the social sciences it can be seen in a larger set of individual and cultural structures, all which allow someone or a group of individuals to make decisions based on some semblance of obligation and ceded individual power ( Raz, ed., 1990).

Max Weber, considered the founder of sociology, is most famous for his works surrounding the sociology of religion and government, and how those two institutions shaped, controlled, and contributed to humankind. Whereas Marx (a strong influence on most of 19th and 20th century philosophy) was completely comfortable with his works being interpreted in the hard sciences, Weber really focused on the social aspects of theory in explaining the human condition. For Weber, then, the idea of rationalism -- rational thought based on societal efficiency and productivity, runs through his works. Weber argues that the idea of the work ethic and a means for social accord contributes to economics in that piety and the chance for a better life after death cause humans to strive for economic gain in certain ways, whereas that is not always using work as an expression of self -- it is work, as Marx might say, for the ends justifying the means, rather than the means justifying what work is being done. Authority, then, rather than being solely economic, does have at its basic roots an idea of class or structure and control -- alienation for Marx from humanity, a preponderance of ways to keep one from actualization for Weber (Kahlberg, 2005).

Further, Weber identified three different types of authority that still resonate in the contemporary world -- from the authority children give to their teacher or Principal, to the authority we give political figures, and even to the authority we cede to certain professionals depending on the circumstance:

Rational or Legal authority -- This depends on formal rules and established laws to remain legitimate; these laws must be written and are complex. Modern societies depend on this authority, since it transcends the individual, chronology, and even political parties.

Traditional authority -- Derived from long-established customs, social structures, and/or habits -- in other words culture. This passes from one generation to the next, and some consider it habitual authority. This type of authority is exemplified in history with monarchies and lineages -- power and authority because of a birthright.