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What is the actual state, in our democratic societies, of the education of the citizen towards citizenship? This paper will focus on the idea of an education to majority. The critical enquiry made by Theodor W. Adorno after World War II as sociologist and philosopher led him to the conclusion that not only is this process of critical and democratic education not really carried out but also the mere willingness to carry out such education remains to be evidenced. On the contrary, Adorno points out a number of processes that seem to run counter to this aim, or indeed that are putting into place precisely the conditions making such an education for autonomy impossible. In this paper, I will discuss three problematic concepts taken from Adorno's philosophy, which appear to have potential for an update in this respect, namely Aufklärung, the culture industry and authoritarian personality. I will focus on an interview with the German philosopher, as of yet unpublished in French, entitled "Erziehung zur Mündigkeit" (Education for Autonomy). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this paper is to address authority in educational relations by focusing on the specific vulnerabilities to which one who successfully occupies the position of authority in the contemporary democratic context is exposed. The purpose, from a philosophical point of view, is articulated around a broad acceptation of the concept of benevolence and in permanent resonance with the dual challenge of individual autonomy and the autonomous functioning of collectives, which seems to be that of the society of individuals. It is a question of showing that to be able to sustainably show kindness towards the other in the occupation of a place of authority passes by a form of benevolence applied to oneself. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]