A History and Philosophy of Expertise: The Nature and Limits of Authority

Jamie Carlin Watson explores the long history and philosophy of expertise, discussing why we can be skeptical of what experts say and making a valuable contribution to contemporary debates on authority, testimony, disagreement, and trust. He traces the ancient origins of the concept to its association with cunning, skill, and authority, and looks at how it evolved into a "genius" or "innate talent" in the middle ages, before becoming a largely cognitive concept psychologists study today.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 29 June 2023
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

In this extensive exploration of the long and profound history of expertise, spanning from ancient Greece to the 20th century, Jamie Carlin Watson delves into the enigmatic concept of expertise and explores the reasons behind our skepticism towards the claims of experts. Through his comprehensive review, Watson makes a significant contribution to contemporary philosophical debates on authority, testimony, disagreement, and trust. He traces the ancient origins of the concept, delving into its early association with cunning, skill, and authority. He also discusses the rigorous training that ancient thinkers believed was necessary to attain expertise.

Watson then examines the evolution of the expert throughout different historical periods. In the Middle Ages, the expert metamorphosed into a revered figure known as a "genius" or "innate talent." This transformation was accompanied by the rise of psychological research in 16th-century Germany, influenced by the works of Darwin, the influence of behaviorism, and its appeal to computer scientists. As time passed, expertise gradually shifted towards a predominantly cognitive concept that psychologists study today.

Throughout this journey, Watson offers insightful perspectives and analyses, shedding light on the complexities and nuances of expertise. He challenges traditional notions and provides fresh insights into the ways in which expertise has developed and evolved. This book is a valuable resource for scholars, students, and anyone interested in exploring the philosophical and historical dimensions of expertise.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350217676