The Oxford Handbook of Expertise and Democratic Politics

The Oxford Handbook of Expertise and Democratic Politics examines the nature of expertise and its social roles, connecting interdisciplinary work with sociologists of professions and intellectuals. It explores the value and relevance of the boundary between experts and laypeople, the causes and consequences of mistrust in experts, the meanings and social uses of objectivity, and the significance of recent transformations in the organization of the professions.

Format: Hardback
Length: 600 pages
Publication date: 14 July 2023
Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc

In recent decades, there has been a remarkable surge of interest in the study of expertise across social scientific, philosophical, and legal literatures. While it is tempting to attribute this surge to the emergence and consolidation of a knowledge society, post-industrial society, or network society, it is more likely that the debates surrounding expertise are symptomatic of significant change and upheaval. As the number of individuals vying for expert status has increased, the bases for their claims have become more diverse, and the conflicts between these would-be experts have intensified, expertise has become increasingly problematic and contested.

In response to this, Gil Eyal and Thomas Medvetz, in their groundbreaking work "The Oxford Handbook of Expertise and Democratic Politics," have assembled a diverse group of scholars who have engaged in robust and theoretical discussions about the nature of expertise and the social roles of experts. This Handbook takes an historical and relational approach to the topic, driven by the urgent need to address growing mistrust in experts, which poses a threat to democratic politics today.

The analyses presented in this Handbook explore a range of critical topics, including the value and relevance of the boundary between experts and laypeople, the causes and consequences of mistrust in experts, the meanings and social uses of objectivity, and the significance of recent transformations in the organization of professions. By bringing together investigations from social scientists, philosophers, and legal scholars, this Handbook establishes a vital connection between interdisciplinary work in science and technology studies and the more traditional concerns of sociologists of professions and intellectuals.

In conclusion, the surge of interest in expertise in recent decades reflects the profound transformations underway in our society. The debates surrounding expertise are not merely academic exercises but rather urgent concerns that demand our attention and action. By examining the nature of expertise, its social roles, and the challenges it faces, this Handbook provides valuable insights into the complex dynamics of knowledge production, dissemination, and governance. It serves as a crucial resource for scholars, policymakers, and practitioners alike, as we navigate the increasingly complex and interconnected world of expertise.

Dimension: 248 x 171 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780190848927