UNLIMITED AND LIMITED AUTHORITY

Abstract

The paper presents forms of authority, organization and manner of functioning of the certain type of authority in society as well as the limits and possibility of public, free democratic communication and critical opinion in the social systems based on unlimited and limited authority. Critical opinion is composed of hermeneutics and critique. Use of these two methods allows for judging and understanding reality. The main levers and institutions which control and limit the authority’s self-will, irresponsibility and despotism in the contemporary democratic societies, are intellectuals, media and civilian society sector. In genuine Islamic form of governing and running, the authority is restricted by the principle of Shura (compulsory institutional action). Principle of Shura allows the sovereign to share responsibility of political leadership and running with the competent and elected representatives. Institution of Shura allows inclusion of all wise and full-age members of the Ummah in the discussions of common interest. In the author’s opinion, the reasons for underdeveloped political awareness of the Muslims should not be sought in the sources of Islam that otherwise explicitly stipulate consulting and advising.