Antonio Xavier Tomo

The Crisis of Authority in Education Antonio Xavier Tomo

The crisis of authority in educational institutions worries contemporary societies. Hence, the present work problematizes the pedagogical relationship. The author uses his cultural values to establish a dialogue with universal culture, that is, the problem of authority that affects both freedom and equality in education. The study finds theoretical support in the Ubuntu philosophy. This is a philosophy anchored in community, in African humanism, in generational solidarity. Ubuntu philosophy places connective logic at the center, in that it is not closed in on itself, but is also open to thinking differently. Hence the invitation of theorists such as Adela Cortina to the debate. Rousseau appears as the starting point of the discussion around the crisis of authority. He grants adults the pedagogical power and authority to lead children to humanity. According to Rousseau, adults need to be vigilant in every step that children take, because leading children to humanity can only be possible if adults play their roles properly.