Reference no: EM132230839

Authority is constructed and contextual

Different communities recognize different types of authority. Some authorities are widely accepted, while others are accepted by a more limited group of people. In academic settings, authority is usually constructed gradually as a person publishes and presents peer-reviewed research in their field. In other settings authority might be constructed by reputation, a history of actions, or some other mechanism (not all such mechanisms are effective and unbiased, and this can lead to authority being unfairly or mistakenly allocated).

The last question below highlights the idea that there can be more than one authority on a subject, depending on the community you are operating within. This leads us to another aspect of authority. The context in which your information will be used affects the level of authority required. For instance, if you need directions to get to a restaurant, asking someone on the street who knows the area will likely be sufficient. If you’re trying to build a restaurant and need to know where to put the foundation, you’ll need much more detailed geographical information as well as additional information about zoning and building permits. For this second case you’ll need to consult detailed maps and gps data, as well as authorities in the local government to make sure your foundation is built legally.

To complete this assignment, consider that you, whoever you are, are likely to be considered an authority on something by some community (a community can be a small group of friends or family, or a larger group in society).

1. On what are you considered an authority?

2. What community recognizes your authority on this subject?

3. How did you become an authority in this community, on this subject?

4. In a larger community, who do you consider an authority on the subject (who would you consult if you needed more information about this subject)?