Legitimation refers to people’s beliefs about political authority and the ability to defend these beliefs with justification. The three main sources of legitimacy are typically understood as acceptance of authority and the need to obey its commands. People have faith in political or social order because it has been there for a long time (tradition), have faith in the rulers (charisma), or trust its legality, specifically the rationality of the rule of law (rational) (Weber 1990 [1918]; 1964). Whilst legitimacy is constantly evolving due to current perceptions of society; texts such as ‘Oedipus the King’ (Sophocles) and ‘The Apology’ (Plato) that date back to fifth century BCE explore the notion of traditional, charismatic, and rational legitimation in a comparative way.
Legitimacy may rest on the belief of tradition, upheld by leaders who at the time portray authority. ‘Oedipus the King’ conveys Oedipus following the path of the Delphic Oracle after learning that the land must be rid of corruption; as a result, of the fate of the previous leader of Thebes, Laius. Apollo commands “drive the corruption from the land…” (Sophocles, 2000, ll.109-110). “Murder sets the plague-storm on the city.” (Sophocles, 2000, ll.114-115). Whist the message of Apollo is passed on through the mouth of Creon, it is evident that Apollo holds the authority. Oedipus is quick to act to the message delivered, knowing Athenians rely on him to rid the city of the plague.
Socrates acts on traditional legitimation in the same manner as Oedipus. He approaches Apollo in search for answers and to gain truth. Apollo states Socrates is the wisest man (Plato, 1954, p.44). Socrates seeks to test the claim, and concludes the Delphic oracle is in fact correct; no man i...
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...conveys how authority and the ability to obey its power can enable the characters rise above internal and external forces.
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“Shepherd: I am on the brink of dreadful speech/ Oedipus: And I of dreadful hearing yet I must hear” (Sophocles 63) With this Oedipus shows that he wants the truth to be reveled so that he can save the city and have the truth realized. It does not matter what the truth is only that he must know who he needs to kill or banish to save the people of Thebes. Oedipus also shows his care for the city of Thebes when he finally learns the truth about who his parents were and that he had in fact fulfilled the prophecy that he had so desired to not do. Oedipus chooses to still banish himself and stick to what he promised the city at the beginning of the play. “conceal me somewhere far from Thebes” (Sophocles 75) Oedipus does this to not only hid from the shame he receives from fulfilling the prophecy but to also end the plague and to save the people of Thebes. Finally Oedipus shows his quality of care for his children a trait that makes him more admirable in the play. This moment is shown after Oedipus finds out that he has fulfilled the prophecy and is the reason for the plague. Then he blinds himself and prepares to banish himself but before he is banished he asks for Creon and asks of a favour “Take care of them Creon do this for me” (Sophocles 77) Thus Oedipus shows his compassion for his children
In the beginning of the text, an explanation is presented of how Thebes must “drive out a killer” in order to purge the city of the plague (99). Oedipus sets on a quest that includes Tiresias’s baffling words. Tiresias confronts Oedipus with [Oedipus’s] truth by revealing he is the murderer of Laius and “pollutes the land” (352). Oedipus is also bound by Apollo’s prophecy; his [Oedipus] fate is sealed (377). Oedipus displays his denial by refusing that he is the murderer and placing the blame on Creon.
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The classical thinking believe that authority can be achieved through self-interest, fear and habit. However, this thinking has been moved away by
Socrates high respect for himself also may have started with the oracle from Delphi, when Chaerephon, “…asked the oracle to tel...
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