What is the difference between Authority and Power?

[QwertyMIDX]

What is the difference between Authority and Power?

You have 2 days until I can get online and check this, lets see some musings.

[ScionTheWorm]

well Authority you have the rights to control. Power you have the ability to control.

[Quietus]

What is the difference between Authority and Power?

You have 2 days until I can get online and check this, lets see some musings.

Power is simply the Ability to Give and Take away something.

Authority then is a type of power.

[Soulforged]

Power is the sum of knowledge and material capacity to exercise your abilities (for example: money).
Authority can be of two types: irrational and rational (refering to the origin of that authority). The first is the kind of charismatic one, this authority could be defined as the capacity to exercise given by ritual, inmemorial or reverential respect. The second is usually given by a formality or systematic process constructed with that explicit end, so here the authority is not represented in the person but in the possition. Thus authority is just a kind or way of expression of power.

[IrishMike]

In my experiences those who have authority do not always have power. I view power as influence over your fellow man, but their has been many times where someone in a position of authority did not have influence and considered weak.

[lancelot]

I would say the question really is, what is the difference between authority and force, rather than 'power'.

These types of questions are very much tied to the french enlightenment. Id suggest reading one of those 'short introduction' books on Rousseau. (french revolution thinker/philosopher)


Force ‘is a physical power’ and taken alone is nothing more. It is superior force that can give one group control over another. Force does not transform power into obedience or authority. Therefore, force requires constant application to be truly effective and furthermore, force has no claim to duty or obligation beyond the consequences of defying force.

(Quoted from various parts of an essay on 'force, rights and freedom' by me)
(It got a high grade by the way!, although not that Im claiming that this or any other answer is the only correct response.)

[yesdachi]

Without thinking too hard on the topic I would have to say that they are synonymous rather than completely different. Someone can be given authority and thus have power or someone with power can take authority. The first could be obtained via election and the second might be more like an “alpha male” taking command of a tribe or a country conquering another and assuming authority.

[Ludens]

Power is the sum of knowledge and material capacity to exercise your abilities (for example: money).
Authority can be of two types: irrational and rational (refering to the origin of that authority). The first is the kind of charismatic one, this authority could be defined as the capacity to exercise given by ritual, inmemorial or reverential respect. The second is usually given by a formality or systematic process constructed with that explicit end, so here the authority is not represented in the person but in the possition. Thus authority is just a kind or way of expression of power.

I always thought that power is taken, while authority is awarded.

So: power comes from yourself while authority flows from others.

This leaves much room for discussion, though.

[Idaho]

well Authority you have the rights to control. Power you have the ability to control.

Wording and refinements aside - that is basically it.

Authority has (some sort of) justification. Power is merely power, regardless of justification. The two are related, but often seperated.

I recognise the power behind the US' foreign policy, but I don't accept the authority of it. AQ groups claim authority from religious justifications, the US from ideological ones.

The UN is a classic example of authority with no power. With a continual lack of power, bodies slowly loose authority.

[Soulforged]

I always thought that power is taken, while authority is awarded.

So: power comes from yourself while authority flows from others.

This leaves much room for discussion, though.

Not exactly. The better way to look at the matter is search for terminology, because in it's essence there's no difference, one is the subtype of the other, one way of expression of the other. In terminology you've power: in my language it's easier to see the meaning of this (poder (can)= "poder"). Power means in short, "ability", means that the one who has it, can do something. I can exersice it by force, by intelligence (ploting) or by constituted authority.

[Hurin_Rules]

Power can be defined variously (the ability to influence others, achieve objectives, etc.), but authority is the public recognition of the right to exercise that power (however you define it).

[QwertyMIDX]

Looks like we have a good debate going here, I'm sad to see the magic words coercion and legitmacy haven't appeared yet though.

[bmolsson]

Power is to be able to kick somebody around. Authority makes it ok to do so.....