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The evolution of wisdom: How have experts been identified throughout history?
In today's society, the status of experts seems to be increasingly valued. Whether in the medical, scientific or legal fields, expert opinions are considered an important basis for decision-making. However, how are experts identified? What kind of historical context and social significance is hidden behind it?
Experts are people with broad and deep understanding and abilities whose knowledge, skills, and experience come from a combination of practice and education.
Traditionally, experts are viewed as representatives of wisdom, with their status often associated with deep knowledge and good judgment. Like the sages of ancient times, experts are recognized and respected in their particular fields. In some specific fields, the definition of an expert is often formed through consensus, so professional or academic qualifications are not necessarily required. For example, a shepherd with fifty years of experience in herding sheep would be widely recognized as an expert in training sheepdogs and caring for sheep.
The Nature of Expertise
Experts possess knowledge, usually based on in-depth research, experience, and professional careers, that enables their opinions in certain areas to be formally and legitimately relied upon by others. The definition of expertise varies from field to field, which shows that the nature of expertise is relative.
In addition to possessing knowledge, experts are also able to make accurate judgments quickly in urgent and complex situations. This is the result of repeated practice and accumulation.
Two academic views
There are two main different views on the understanding of professional knowledge in academia. The first view is that expertise is a product of community practice, meaning that expertise is co-constructed within social groups; the second view is that expertise is an individual trait that arises from human interaction with the physical and social environment. Adaptability. These two perspectives provide a comprehensive perspective when exploring the process of professional knowledge formation and its continuous evolution.
Experts’ View of History
In the early days, illiteracy was the norm in society, and those who knew how to read became the intellectual elite. With the introduction of printing technology, knowledge began to be gradually dispersed, improving the overall literacy of society. In modern society, experts such as doctors and scientists are widely recognized for their professional knowledge and have become a source of trust for people to solve difficult problems. However, such expertise is often hidden in complex terms and concepts that are difficult for ordinary people to understand in depth.
Expertise controversy
With the rise of social media and online platforms, the distance between experts and the public is gradually narrowing. Nowadays, everyone can express their opinions through the Internet, which challenges the authority of traditional experts. In this context, how to identify and evaluate the voices of different experts has become a major challenge facing the contemporary public.
When faced with a multitude of expert opinions, the public should have some ability to evaluate competing claims in order to effectively distinguish between true experts and professionals with mere labels.
Transformation from Novice to Expert
The process from novice to expert is not achieved overnight; accumulation of practice and experience is the key. Research shows that it usually takes about ten years of meaningful practice to become an expert in a field. During this period, experts will continue to improve their skills and gradually develop unique problem-solving patterns.
Skill Memory Theory
Some important research on skills and memory has revealed how experts can retrieve large amounts of information rapidly and randomly. Experts rely on their long-term memory to solve problems, and they are able to judge when to apply specific knowledge, which is precisely what novices find difficult to do.
Summary and reflection
The determination of professional knowledge is fluid and complex, incorporating multiple historical, social, and psychological factors. We can't help but wonder, in this era of rapid information update, how will future experts position themselves and win the trust and respect of society?
