Dialectic Of Authority By Bernard Lonergan Essays Examples

For the Jesuit philosopher Bernard Lonergan, legitimate authority was a concept that is directly related to the community, it is therefore contextual. The authenticity of meanings and morals that are accepted by a given community are what legitimate authority depends upon. Those meanings and morals are authentic when the community obeys transcendental principles. The transcendent principles Lonergan believed in are the changeless principles that explain the way things have been since God created the universe. These principles were the ones handed down by a God who is infallible and eternal. Examples five by Lonergan of transcendental precepts are: “1. Be attentive, 2. Be intelligent, 3. Be reasonable, 4. Be responsible.” In order to have real authority a person must understand his or her true self. By understanding one’s self, a person is authentic. Authenticity is a person’s most basic need and most cherished accomplishment. A person is able to realize authenticity by understanding transcendent principles. At its most basic, this is an understanding of what is real and what is good. This is the way to the truth. It is this authenticity that legitimizes authority. Without authenticity, authority is simply power. Power may or may not be legitimate. Power that comes from, and is supported by, legitimate authority inspires respect. Power without authenticity is simply power as in brute force and those who use power this was will never have real authority.
Traditionally there has been an idea about how those in positions of authority who have power and have legitimacy as well that notions about responsibility, reason, and judgment are based on a higher authority. Transcendence gives rise to actions that are a result of an authentic discernment and the ability to have good judgment. This level of understanding and discernment allows people who possess legitimate authority to understand what is good and what is true. There are different types of legitimate authority. There is rational authority and moral authority. In both cases a person who has an authentic understanding will invariably ne able to use his or her good judgment and will know what is good and true. The entire discussion about transcendence, authority, and authenticity is intended to enlighten. God id the higher power who is behind all of the things that happen to people on earth, and who helps to mediate the problems that humans negotiate throughout their lives. Ultimately, this higher power, God, will decide what humans are to wield the power of legitimate authority and who will govern others. The route that leads a person to transcendence and legitimate authority are maneuvered through the community in which the person lives and functions. The morals, rules, and beliefs of the community are the way by which a person can determine what constitutes rationality and responsibility. Authenticity comes from being a part of, and understanding the meanings of, a community thereby acquiring legitimate authority. This does not mean that all people in power have legitimate authority, they may simply have power. It is the power and authority that come from reflection and insight that Lonergan was seeking to explain. A community could very easily elect someone to a position of power who does not deserve it. That person will never enjoy true authority. Authenticity is what is needed to make authority and power legitimate. Lonergan's explanation of authority is a way for people to evaluate whether or not proposal come from men and women in the community who simply have power or from people who have legitimate authority and the power that comes with legitimate authority.