Self-growth
Business & Career
Success
Communication
Healing
Relationships
Psychology
HappinessYou’ll learn
- Why the media has gone bananas
- What makes someone a real expert today
- How the Dunning-Kruger Effect wreaks havoc on the mind
- The reason behind critical thinking being your new superpower
- Ways to master the art of healthy skepticism
Table of contents
first KEY POINT
And a sugar-free expertise, please
A few decades ago, there was no need to scrutinize every word in the paper — people automatically believed it, relying on the media's reputation. But as the world diversified in unexpected ways, so did the press. Today, there's no shortage of variations — online media, journals, YouTube channels, and traditional TV stations, you name it. However, even television has evolved to engage with broader audiences over the years. But as with every change, not everything goes as planned.
If the world is your oyster, don't let the media curate it for you.
Today's news outlets and experts have a long way to go to regain people's trust and, most importantly, genuine interest. The road starts at the beacons of enlightenment — colleges and universities — and stretches beyond workplaces and living rooms.Media intake has become a new kind of diet; like every diet, it has rules and nuances. So, jump in the imaginary car because it's time to shop for new, healthy media!
second KEY POINT
To err is human
We all know that one person who can't stop questioning everything and offering unsolicited advice. Lately, it seems more people have developed a palpable hostility toward experts because they highlight a sore truth about the American nation — not everyone is an expert. In a democratic setting, every opinion is deemed as worthy as any other, blurring the line between a hobbyist and a professional who has spent years studying and honing their craft. Misinformation plagues the entire population, and the Internet amplifies it tenfold.Alexis de Tocqueville, a French thinker, linked Americans' distaste for experts to their extreme individualism, prioritizing personal opinions above all else.
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first KEY POINT
I know that I know nothing
second KEY POINT
Why aren’t students studying?
third KEY POINT
Is no opinion better than a wrong opinion?
fourth KEY POINT
The death of journalism?
fifth KEY POINT
Conclusion
Related summaries
Frequently asked questions
What is The Death of Expertise: The Campaign Against Established Knowledge and Why It Matters about?
The Death of Expertise, authored by Tom Nichols, explores the growing trend of dismissing established knowledge and expert opinions in today’s society. It delves into how this skepticism undermines democracy and informed decision-making, emphasizing the necessity of respecting expertise in various fields.
What are the key takeaways from The Death of Expertise: The Campaign Against Established Knowledge and Why It Matters?
Key takeaways from The Death of Expertise include understanding the dangers of anti-intellectualism, the importance of valuing expert knowledge in public discourse, and the consequences of widespread misinformation. Nichols argues that society must reestablish a respect for experts to ensure informed discourse and decision-making.
Is The Death of Expertise: The Campaign Against Established Knowledge and Why It Matters worth reading?
Yes, The Death of Expertise is worth reading for anyone interested in the dynamics of knowledge and societal discourse. Tom Nichols presents compelling arguments about the necessity of valuing established expertise, making it a critical read for those concerned about the current anti-intellectual climate.
How many pages is The Death of Expertise: The Campaign Against Established Knowledge and Why It Matters, and when was it published?
The Death of Expertise spans 272 pages and was published on April 25, 2017. This length makes it a concise yet impactful read on the subject of expertise and misinformation.
Who is the author of The Death of Expertise: The Campaign Against Established Knowledge and Why It Matters?
The book is authored by Tom Nichols, a professor at the U.S. Naval War College and an expert in international security affairs. His perspective as an educator and commentator enriches the discussions within the book on the value of expertise.