We need experts to accomplish many of our advanced goals. To gather, sift and organize new knowledge; to apply basic research in order to engineer new possibilities; to better understand the physical and human worlds we live in. Experts are well trained in narrow specialties that enable them to do original, creative things. Expertise is often accompanied by experience, commitment and dedication.
But there are limits to the utility of experts. Experts can be elitist and authoritarian. Experts can be bought. Experts can be biased and ideological. Experts can be as foolish and fallible as anyone else. Experts can bludgeon dissent and frighten lay people into obedience. Experts and expertise can be a two-edged sword, particularly in the realm of civil society. We need experts for many things, but we cannot surrender to experts our opportunities – our responsibilities – to engage the world as intelligent, passionate, informed citizens and community members of the social fabric.
