The Position of “Authority” in Education: A Study of One Strand of Hannah Arendt's Argument on Violence

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  • 教育における「権威」の位置—H.アレントの暴力論をてがかりに—
  • 教育における「権威」の位置 : H.アレントの暴力論をてがかりに
  • キョウイク ニ オケル 「 ケンイ 」 ノ イチ : H.アレント ノ ボウリョクロン オ テ ガ カリニ

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Abstract

<p> The purpose of this study is to consider the role of authority in education by looking at the concept of “authority” in Hannah Arendt (1906-1975). For this purpose, the study focuses on her theory of violence, which discusses the relationship between authority and violence.</p><p> There are abundant studies on the issue of authority in education. However, the understandings of the concept of “authority” that these studies hold are so diverse that it is difficult to examine them in comparison. In this context, Arendt's theory of violence may offer us a clue; she distinguishes the concept of authority from the concept of violence or of power as the introduction to her argument, and then raises the importance of authority in education. The significance of her argument and of the concept of authority, however, has not been sufficiently recognized. The main reason for this seems to be the lack of further detailed discussion: Arendt does not make clear why authority is valid in education, nor what role it undertakes to play, despite the indication of the importance of authority. This paper, then, focuses on her theory of violence, and aims to consider the significance of authority in education and its role in relation to violence and power.</p><p> In order to achieve the goals above, this study is divided into three parts. First, it begins by examining what violence education involves, by looking at Arendt's criticism of modern education. This consideration shows that violence in education comes not only from outside but is also contained in education internally. Second, the study clarifies Arendt's concept of “authority” in comparison with “violence” and “power,” based on her theory of violence. With this analysis, it is revealed that authority not simply restrains violence but maintains and enlarges it at the same time. Third, and finally, the study considers why education needs authority, and furthermore, what role authority is assigned in education. This section shows the complex relation between authority and education. Namely, authority assumes the responsibility of an absolutely “new beginning,” which is also termed “natality” in Arendt's vocabulary. By taking this responsibility, authority contributes to the conservation and increase of power, withstanding violence in education.</p>

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