The Evolution of Expertise

Since early history, expertise has been defined by the powerful, and over the last 200 years, power has resided in the halls of Western science and technology. The argument justifying this is, roughly: western science produces better predictions, better predictions come from a better grasp on truth, leading to inevitably to more capacity and therefore more power.

But there is a flaw in this logic, since it discounts inertia and cognitive biases: the powerful, over time, can force reality to align with their predictions or simply stop challenging themselves to see the world as it is, and with so much accrued power they can still overwhelm challengers and their superior predictions. ^{1 2}

Practically speaking this means that expertise defined by power will miss out on the wealth of insights available from local traditions and practices around the globe.³

Local Knowledge: Beyond Surface-Level Understanding

True local knowledge isn't limited to mere customs or languages. It dives deep into the nuances of regional challenges, offering solutions rooted in community experience. Such ground-level insights become increasingly vital as global issues like climate change or health crises manifest uniquely in different local contexts ⁴.

Alternative Knowledge Systems: Untapped Wellsprings of Insight

Indigenous practices, age-old oral traditions, and shared community wisdom often introduce unique vantage points. By respecting their empirical facets, these systems can reshape our understanding of various subjects.⁵

Embracing Diversity in Expert Networks

Expert network platforms, like those created by Base6, are helping advance this evolution in expertise. They merge established expertise with invaluable local insights, thus diversifying expert consultations and countering longstanding biases.

The Synthesis: Traditional Meets Alternative

Imagine the quest for malaria solutions in a remote African locale. While a scientist may present data-driven strategies, a local expert could provide community-centric solutions based on native practices. Marrying these insights could lead to a comprehensive, culturally-aware approach.

Towards a Fluid Definition of Expertise

The crux lies in recognizing that expertise isn't rigid. It's an ever-evolving blend of global and local, traditional and contemporary. Initiatives like Base6, leveraging AI to meld diverse insights, epitomize this transformative path.⁶

References

Footnotes

1. Kuhn, Thomas., 1962. The Structure of Scientific Revolutions. Chicago: University of Chicago Press. ↩

2. Jost, J. T., Banaji, M. R., & Nosek, B. A. (2004). A Decade of System Justification Theory: Accumulated Evidence of Conscious and Unconscious Bolstering of the Status Quo. Political Psychology, 16(2), 369-403. ↩

3. Berkes, F. (1999). Sacred Ecology: Traditional Ecological Knowledge and Resource Management. Philadelphia: Taylor and Francis. ↩

4. Agrawal, A. (1995). Dismantling the divide between indigenous and scientific knowledge. Development and change, 26(3), 413-439. ↩

5. Berkes, F., Colding, J., & Folke, C. (2000). Rediscovery of traditional ecological knowledge as adaptive management. Ecological Applications, 10(5), 1251-1262. ↩

6. Turnhout, E., Stuiver, M., Klostermann, J., Harms, B., & Leeuwis, C. (2013). New roles of science in society: Different repertoires of knowledge brokering. Science and Public Policy, 40(3), 354-365. ↩