The Death of Expertise
The Death of Expertise
Tom Nichols
Tom Keene
Just outstanding. - Tom Keene
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The Death of Expertise

The Death of Expertise: The Campaign Against Established Knowledge and Why It Matters

Tom Nichols
By
Tom Nichols
3.8
8741
ratings on Goodreads

In "The Death of Expertise," Tom Nichols embarks on a compelling journey to unravel how the digital age has paradoxically fostered a culture where professed knowledge often overshadows genuine understanding. With the internet at our fingertips, the world has witnessed a seismic shift in the acquisition of information, democratically blurring the lines between seasoned experts and the lay public. Nichols meticulously examines the underpinnings of this phenomena—how the ease of access to vast amounts of data has not only democratized knowledge but also spurred a wave of anti-intellectualism that undermines the very foundation of expert authority. Through a lens that is both critical and enlightening, Nichols delves into the consequences of this shift: a landscape where all opinions are perceived as equal, where facts become malleable, and where the value of true expertise is in peril. At the heart of Nichols' discourse is a nuanced critique of the burgeoning cult of anti-expertise, manifesting in widespread movements from anti-vaccination to skepticism towards scientific consensus. Nichols argues that while the internet has empowered individuals with information, it has also instigated a precarious overestimation of one’s own knowledge. This book is not a lamentation but a call to action—a plea for the reevaluation of how society perceives and values expertise. Through engaging anecdotes and rigorous analysis, Nichols makes a persuasive case for the importance of recognizing and reinstating the role of experts in guiding public opinion and policy. "The Death of Expertise" is a timely reflection on the challenges and responsibilities of living in an information-saturated society, urging readers to critically navigate the vast sea of information with a discerning eye towards true expertise.

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Released
2017
27 Apr
Length
272
Pages

1

recommendations

recommendation

Just outstanding. - Tom Keene
No, the bigger problem is that we’re proud of not knowing things. Americans have reached a point where ignorance, especially of anything related to public policy, is an actual virtue. To reject the advice of experts is to assert autonomy, a way for Americans to insulate their increasingly fragile egos from ever being told they’re wrong about anything.
— Tom Nichols, The Death of Expertise

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