In an Era of Crisis of Trust, How Should Authority Change? Restoring Social Trust through the Humanities

Deconstruction of Authority: The Flow and Change of the Times

The dismantling of authority in modern society is not a coincidence. It is a necessary result brought about by a long-term accumulation of changes in perception and the flow of the times. In traditional societies of the past, authority was underpinned by established hierarchies and absolute norms. Within families, a parent's word was law, and in schools, a teacher's word was not questioned. Across society, people often entrusted themselves to specific authorities for the sake of order and stability. However, as we enter the 21st century, authority is no longer seen as natural and self-evident. The maturation of democracy, the spread of individualism, and the development of digital technologies have created a structure of horizontal communication that calls into question the reasons for the existence of authority. The question 'Why should I follow that statement?' has shifted from being rebellious to becoming a philosophical exploration in search of new ethics and values.

Changes in Cultural Sensibility: Authority and Its History

The dismantling of authority cannot be explained solely through simple institutional reforms or functional changes. It signifies a shift in the overall cultural sensibility and a transformation in the perception of human relationships. In the past, authority was justified by responsibility and commitment however, it often acted as a tool to reinforce the power of specific groups and entrench inequalities. This historical memory leads to a collective skepticism towards authority today, resulting in what we experience as a 'vacuum of authority.' This vacuum is prominently evident in homes and schools. The relationships between parents and children, as well as between teachers and students, can no longer be described by a structure of command and obedience. Vertical hierarchies are dismantled, and directives are evolving into persuasion, with control shifting to empathy. However, such changes do not automatically yield positive outcomes. In the transitional turmoil before a new order takes root, the standards of roles and responsibilities become ambiguous, and the balance of authority and trust is destabilized.

Reframing Authority: The Necessity of a New Order

However, we need to consider whether we should completely eliminate authority in such situations, or whether it should be reborn. Authority should not simply be an outdated concept to be removed, but rather it should be restructured based on new ethics and practices. Authority that is based not on oppression and obedience, but on trust, responsibility, and respect—this should be the foundation of the healthy social order we desire. This new authority no longer arises from position or power, but from the depth of relationships, mutual trust, and responsible practices. It should not be a force that oppresses others, but should come from moral beliefs that lead the community, establishing authority that is not imposed but voluntarily accepted within respect.

Restoration of Humanistic Sensibility: The Foundation of New Authority

To establish a new authority, it is essential to restore humanistic sensitivity. The humanities represent an intellectual journey that allows us to understand humanity, empathize with others, and reflect on our communities. Through this, we can comprehend why past authorities have collapsed and explore what kind of authority is needed in the future. In particular, in the field of education, the humanities play a crucial role in fostering the ability to reflect on 'how we should live,' going beyond mere knowledge transmission. In this process, students learn how to ask questions, teachers learn how to listen, and they come to recognize each other’s humanity. Families, schools, and society at large must be reconstructed in a way that acknowledges mutual subjectivity rather than adhering to a hierarchical structure. Parents and children must listen to each other's voices, teachers should consider students’ perspectives, and society must also strive to engage with marginalized voices.

Trust-Based Open Communication: The Birth of a New Authority

Authority is reborn within the process of open communication. This signifies a new order built on trust and empathy, rather than one based on fear or silence. Intergenerational dialogue should be elevated to an art of mutual understanding rather than a discontinuity, and generational differences can serve as a resource for mutual understanding rather than causes of conflict. When parents and children, teachers and students learn each other's language and understand the contextual background of their respective eras, we come to the moment where authority transforms into trust and order into empathy. This new approach reminds us once again that authority is the 'language of relationships' necessary for the communal survival of human society. As the grammar of the language of authority changes, we must learn a new grammar of persuasion instead of command, trust instead of fear, and dialogue instead of silence. Reviving this new grammar and practicing it in our daily lives is indeed the most important mission of modern education and the humanities.

The Deconstruction of Authority and New Community Ethics

Ultimately, the dismantling of authority does not signify the end of destruction, but rather represents the beginning towards new authority and a communal ethic. We stand on that path now, and as we walk it together, we hold the possibility of restoring a more just, warm, and profound humanity. It is essential to recognize that this process marks a critical moment for reevaluating the concept of authority, and we must not forget that the voluntary participation of every individual will contribute to the creation of a healthy society.