Benue State University, Makurdi

Power and Authority: A Philosophical Reflection on Bertrand Russell Thoughts

Azibalua Onyagholo, PhD

Abstract

This work studies Russell's concept of power and authority with a view of understanding his intent and signification in human society. The study adopted textual and expository analysis. Russell, coming from the context of the political and social upheaval that prevailed in the world during his time specifically in Germany, former Soviet Union and Italy that experienced authoritarian and dictatorial regimes which led to the abuse of the fundamental human rights of the citizens. The abuse of the rights of the citizens in these countries and the world over was caused by the misapplication and misunderstanding of the concept of power and authority which Russell tries to deal with as it affects the individual or citizen in practical human society. The findings of the study revealed that Russell is interested in the understanding and analysis of nature and functioning of authority in relation to the individual in the concrete human society and not interested in mere abstract, conceptual or theoretical analysis of Authority. Russell considers political authority in terms of government and used authority and government interchangeably. Political authority or government that is able to obtain the obedience of the people it governs. Russell refers to a legitimate government as a government that governs with legitimacy. And to obey government is to legitimize it as obedience government by way of consent and acceptance.

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