The Death of Expertise

1. The Death of Expertise: A Dangerous Trend

Never have so many people had so much access to so much knowledge and yet have been so resistant to learning anything.

Erosion of deference. The core issue isn't simply a lack of knowledge, but a growing pride in ignorance and active resistance to established knowledge. This trend, fueled by narcissism and a disdain for intellectual achievement, undermines the very foundation of modern civilization.

Consequences of ignorance. This rejection of expertise has real-world consequences, from the spread of misinformation about vaccines to the inability to engage in informed political debate. The result is a society increasingly vulnerable to manipulation and poor decision-making.

Defense of knowledge. The defense of knowledge is integral to the defense of democracy. Facts and reason are under siege on multiple fronts, and the democratic stability that relies on a thoughtful and informed public is dissolving before our eyes.

2. The Erosion of Trust: Experts vs. Citizens

By the “death of expertise,” I do not mean the death of actual expert abilities, the knowledge of specific things that sets some people apart from others in various areas.

Defining expertise. Expertise is a combination of education, talent, experience, and peer affirmation. Experts possess specialized knowledge and skills that are essential for a functioning society, from doctors and engineers to plumbers and teachers.

Distrust and resentment. A growing distrust of experts, fueled by a sense of equality and a rejection of authority, is creating a dangerous divide between those who know and those who don't. This resentment is often rooted in a feeling of helplessness in the face of complex issues.

Rebuilding the bridge. The challenge lies in bridging this gap by fostering a culture of respect for knowledge and encouraging informed dialogue between experts and citizens. This requires both experts to engage with the public and citizens to take responsibility for their own education.

3. Conversation Breakdown: Why We Can't Agree

All societies, no matter how advanced, have an undercurrent of resentment against educated elites, as well as persistent cultural attachments to folk wisdom, urban legends, and other irrational but normal human reactions to the complexity and confusion of modern life.

Human nature at play. Productive conversation is hampered by inherent human tendencies, including confirmation bias (seeking information that confirms existing beliefs) and the Dunning-Kruger effect (incompetent individuals overestimating their abilities).

The Dunning-Kruger Effect. The Dunning-Kruger Effect explains that the less competent people are, the less likely they are to know they are wrong or to know that others are right, the more likely to try to fake it, and the least able to learn anything.

Overcoming barriers. Recognizing these cognitive biases is the first step toward overcoming them. Education, rigor, and honesty are essential for fostering better understanding and more productive dialogue.

4. Education's Paradox: More Degrees, Less Knowledge?

When students become valued clients instead of learners, they gain a great deal of self-esteem, but precious little knowledge; worse, they do not develop the habits of critical thinking that would allow them to continue to learn and to evaluate the kinds of complex issues on which they will have to deliberate and vote as citizens.

Commodification of education. The modern university, driven by market forces, often treats students as clients rather than learners, prioritizing self-esteem over knowledge and critical thinking skills.

Erosion of standards. Grade inflation and a focus on student satisfaction have led to a decline in academic rigor, resulting in graduates who are overconfident but underprepared for the challenges of the real world.

Restoring value. Reclaiming the value of higher education requires a shift in focus from customer service to intellectual development, emphasizing critical thinking, intellectual humility, and a lifelong commitment to learning.

5. The Internet's Double-Edged Sword: Information Overload

The Internet is a magnificent repository of knowledge, and yet it’s also the source and enabler of a spreading epidemic of misinformation.

Information overload. The Internet provides unprecedented access to information, but also creates a flood of misinformation, making it difficult to distinguish fact from fiction.

Erosion of research skills. The ease of finding information online has led to a decline in basic research skills, making people more susceptible to believing false or misleading claims.

Cultivating digital literacy. Combating misinformation requires cultivating digital literacy skills, including the ability to evaluate sources, identify bias, and think critically about the information we consume online.

6. Journalism in Crisis: Entertainment vs. Information

We count on the media to keep us informed, to separate fact from fiction, and to make complicated matters comprehensible to people who do not have endless amounts of time and energy to keep up with every development in a busy world.

Erosion of journalistic standards. The pressure to compete in a 24/7 news cycle has led to a decline in journalistic standards, with a greater emphasis on entertainment and sensationalism than on in-depth reporting and fact-checking.

Rise of partisan media. The proliferation of partisan media outlets has further polarized the public, creating echo chambers where people are only exposed to information that confirms their existing beliefs.

Reclaiming journalistic integrity. Restoring trust in the media requires a renewed commitment to journalistic integrity, including rigorous fact-checking, unbiased reporting, and a willingness to challenge prevailing narratives.

7. Expert Fallibility: When Knowledge Fails

An expert “is someone who knows some of the worst mistakes that can be made in his subject and how to avoid them.”

Experts are human. Experts are not infallible and can make mistakes, ranging from honest errors to outright fraud. It is important to understand how and why experts can err, not only to make citizens better consumers of expert advice but also to reassure the public about the ways in which experts try and police themselves and their work.

Types of expert failure. Expert failure can take many forms, including honest errors, overextension of expertise, and outright deception. Recognizing these different types of failure is essential for evaluating expert claims and making informed decisions.

Accountability and transparency. Holding experts accountable for their mistakes and promoting transparency in their work are crucial for maintaining public trust and ensuring the integrity of expert communities.

8. COVID-19: A Perfect Storm of Distrust

The sour distrust of almost everyone and everything around us is rooted in the same sullen narcissism, the same willful rejection of any reality that conflicts with our deeply held beliefs, that underlies the continuing attacks on knowledge.

Exacerbation of existing trends. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated existing trends of distrust and polarization, leading to widespread rejection of public health measures and a deepening divide between experts and the public.

Politicization of science. The pandemic became highly politicized, with political leaders and media outlets promoting misinformation and undermining public trust in science and public health officials.

Rebuilding trust. Rebuilding trust in expertise requires a renewed commitment to science-based decision-making, transparent communication, and a willingness to address legitimate concerns and anxieties.

9. Democracy at Risk: Ignorance and Entitlement

Americans now believe that having equal rights in a political system also means that each person’s opinion about anything must be accepted as equal to anyone else’s.

Erosion of civic responsibility. The death of expertise undermines American democracy by fostering a culture of ignorance and entitlement, where citizens are unwilling to engage in informed debate or defer to those with greater knowledge.

Technocracy vs. populism. The rejection of expertise creates a dangerous choice between rule by ignorant demagogues and rule by unelected technocrats, both of which threaten the foundations of a democratic society.

Reclaiming democracy. Reclaiming democracy requires a renewed commitment to civic education, critical thinking, and a willingness to engage in reasoned debate based on facts and evidence.

Last updated: March 2, 2025