this post was submitted on 17 May 2025
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A dentist is a pretty good authority. So's a plumber. There are a hundred more examples we could cite.
Are we saying that running the country is an exceptional case?
A dentist has no authority over you. If you choose not to brush your teeth they can't force you to, they can't do dental work unless you willingly seek them put and consent.
A plumber has not authority to enter your home or mess with your plumbing unless you invite them in.
You're misusing the word "authority" and applying it out of context.
We confer power to the dentist and the plumber because the dentist and the plumber are experts in their fields.
We confer power to our other authorities, political and otherwise, for similar reasons.
That's how authority works.
What? Take the discussion seriously.
We don't confer power to them. I am the authority and I consent to the dentist cleaning my teeth but the second I say "no" their ability to operate is taken away.
Try telling "no" to a cop trying to arrest you.
Not serious? Well argue with yourself then.
Yea not serious.
Authority means force.
Your dentist does not have the ability, to force you to do anything. They are an "authority" in the sense they know a lot about teeth so we willingly ask them for help.
That is clearly not the same type of authority being discussed in authoritarianism.
Stop comparing Hitler to your dentist.