28 Jul 04
one defenition of authority is someone/something that if you disobey the concequences of disobeying will potentially be worse that the concequences of obeying. (eg. do your homework or you'll get detention. Don't steal or you'll go to jail. Walk into that gas chamber or we'll beat you to death slowly)
You therefore only disobey when you believe these greater concequences will not materialise (you won't get caught or you will evade the consequences) or when you're refusing to comply on principle (I don't care if you beat me, I'm not cowtowing to you).
28 Jul 04
Authority only works with me when I am in possession of it. Okay, so I usually go the speed limit and don't make illegal u-turns; I go to work on time and do the work dolled out to me; I pay my bills on time, usually. But I'm not bowing down to anybody, and nobody can tell me different! 😠🙄
ncrosby🙂
28 Jul 04
Originally posted by rapalla7but surely it benefits you when to not follow the authority will bring punishment. Therefore you obey anyone with the power to ppunish you?
I will follow authority only when it benifits me. 😀
Short term or long term.
Mike
Like colleman says, obey the wife becaus ei't just not worth the retribution if you don't.
28 Jul 04
Authority is a two-party phenomenom: one who rules
and one who obeys.
So far, this discussion has focused on the obeying side.
Perhaps it would be enlightening to focus on the ruling
side as well, to see where authority comes from, the mechanics
of how it arises, and why the phenomenon of authority
exists in the first place.
In which situations would you assert authority over somebody?
Dr. Cribs
28 Jul 04
1 edit
Originally posted by CribsWhen people gather in a group, some people automatically become leaders, some automatically become followers. I tend to be a leader for the post part, and I have to think that most people who enjoy debating here at rhp are also leaders. We like to share our opinion, we like to lead. Some are natural leaders. But a leader can only be a leader, or an authority figure if the followers allow it. Most of us allow certain authority figures to lead, but there are times when the system breaks down. Students are sitting in a college class and the porfessor, a very strict one, is droning on and on. No one would dare interrupt his lecture. Class is to end at 2:50 pm, yet it is now nearly 3:00 and the prof is unaware of the time. Students begin to shuffle books and papers, clearing their throats, obviously looking at their watches. Still the professor drones on. Finally a brave soul stands and leaves the class. The others must decide whether to go against authority and leave, or stay in their seats until the professor releases them.
Authority is a two-party phenomenom: one who rules
and one who obeys.
So far, this discussion has focused on the obeying side.
Perhaps it would be enlightening to focus on the ruling
side as well, to see where authority comes from, the ...[text shortened]... situations would you assert authority over somebody?
Dr. Cribs
Sometimes the circumstances are much more dangerous. An agressive police officer stops a car full of young men. The driver is made to lie on the ground and the officer, perceiving a threat, begins to beat the driver. Do the others stand by and allow this, or do they pull the officer away from their friend? If one of them attacks the officer, what do the others do?
Large groups of people tend to be the most dangerous. People tend to lose their respect for authority completely ini a mob environment, and the authority figure can quickly become a target rather than the leader.
We have just experienced a fine example of a group of people allowing a natural leader to exert his authority, and with good reason. Russ has taken control of the unpleasant situation that was developing in the threads, and the posters have done as he asked.
30 Jul 04
Originally posted by royalchickenThe popular opinion of a well loved chimp is the only authority that exists.
What in your view constitutes authority and under what circumstances do you obey it?
Why else would we follow said chimp in his glory?
He is Hitler or Christ or Clinton or Lincoln or Churchill.
We follow the "magical" chimp in all cases. To disobey is to invite banishment from the clan. Is there anything worse that we fear? I think not.
Authority has not to do with logic. Only charisma. Can "you shine in a spotlight? Can you look good in front of the camera?"
So if you shine... YOU are the authority. If not then you are just another chimp. No matter your contributions or abilities.
You got to love the way of the chimp, else you are never allowed to play.
30 Jul 04
Originally posted by StarValleyWyWhat the hell are you talking about?
The popular opinion of a well loved chimp is the only authority that exists.
Why else would we follow said chimp in his glory?
He is Hitler or Christ or Clinton or Lincoln or Churchill.
We follow the "magical" chimp in all cases. To disobey is to invite banishment from the clan. Is there anything worse that we fear? I think not.
Authority ...[text shortened]... tions or abilities.
You got to love the way of the chimp, else you are never allowed to play.
30 Jul 04
Originally posted by CribsNot much you know about. We have this discussion over the last year and a half about the nature of man as related to our closest relative the Chimpanze.
What the hell are you talking about?
You are too new to RHP to have been involved in the discussion. Obviously.
Synopsis:
1 - everything we do as "chimp like humans" relates to gaining recognition.
2 - Such recognition is paid in "chimp credits".
3 - No human being does any action without weighing it's cost in "chimp credits".
and on and on and on.
Mike
31 Jul 04
Originally posted by StarValleyWyIs this your own philosophy or someone else's?
Not much you know about. We have this discussion over the last year and a half about the nature of man as related to our closest relative the Chimpanze.
You are too new to RHP to have been involved in the discussion. Obviously.
Synopsis:
1 - everything we do as "chimp like humans" relates to gaining recognition.
2 - Such recognition is pai ...[text shortened]... es any action without weighing it's cost in "chimp credits".
and on and on and on.
Mike