Prompt: Is it important to question the ideas and decisions of people on positions of authority?
Questioning the ideals of those in charge helps prevents people from falling into a “dead” society characterized by systematic orders. In addition, keeping those in charge in check of power by questioning in equally important. Without questioning, those in authority would wield unlimited power. In essence, questioning those in authority is significantly important.
Doubting those who lead stops people from being “dummies” ordered around. Questioning the ones we follow helps people to stand up for their own beliefs. It also allows for critical and independent thinking for no just the leaders but for everyone on what is right and wrong. Without questioning we would not have the society we have today but rather a more robotic society. Around the 1950s when equal rights for the African Americans became controversial it was Martin Luther King who stood up against all the white leaders to bring justice and change. In retrospect that decision MLK made 60 years ago to question those he followed is not only seen as important but essential. Although questioning those in charge allow for a more collective ideal society, it also plays a more important role in keeping the leaders in check.
People in position of authority are not always perfect. They too require to be checked on their own decisions and use of power. By questioning the decisions and ideas of the people in authority it allows the voices of the people not in charge to make sure they are making the right decision. This type of questioning and check system has been used in many successful governments. For example, the United States government is characterized by three branches, each branch having checks and balances on the other branch: judicial branch, legislative branch, and judicial branch. When one branch over exercises their power the other steps in to stop the over of power. However without this system of questioning of authorities the people in authority, in essence, have unlimited power.
Power without questioning is never ending. Without questioning society would fall into the hands of those in power. In addition the future of the society would have to only one direction with the ideals of one man or one group. Studies in history show that this in fact is detrimental to a society. For instance, totalitarian governments operate in the similar manner of no questioning, voicing only the opinion and ideals of those in charge. However due to this fact of no questioning the Nazis, soviets, and soon to be North Korea had a much flawed government. Due to the fact that the government was in charge of everything and no questioning of the authorities were allowed.
Overall, questioning authorities offers the leaders to be in check for a more coherent society. It is questioning that allows for independent and critical thinking preventing a society to be defined by orders. Furthermore, questioning helps those in charge to be balanced and checked. Without questioning, authorities would have unlimited power, which is detrimental to a society. While I should write more it seems I am off to question my teachers….
Thank you! please be critical