The diversity of authority and its paradoxes

Abstract

The lecture deals with authority as an anthropological constant. It defines authority, its types and functions in society and at school.

It points out the paradoxes associated with teacher's authority and the connection of authority with influence and power. The lecture discusses constellations of power in instructional communication and highlights insight from research on authority and their application to school practice.

Keywords

• anthropological constant
• authority
• power
• influence
• functions and types of authority
• teaching profession
• relationships between teachers and students
• research on authority