I’ve written a lot about the dissent and how it can help you in the truth discovery process (see my blog post here and here at Syracuse University for more information on the choices). Certainly, I believe objections are very important, I teach it in my class. I actively find my studs to find information and challenge me. What you can ask is essential to reveal more information and to achieve your goals for both experts and non-scholars.
Objection, of course, forces each party to strengthen the debate and reveal more information. However, objections are also important disciplines that reveal the knowledge that each party has. Nelson and Winter discuss this effect in their 1982 book, The Evolutionary Theory of Change. The parties may make assumptions and may not know their host’s assumptions.
For example, forecasting commodity prices requires assumptions about key factors that affect supply and demand, forecast weather conditions, and the likelihood of major tail events. Additionally, since models are generalizations of observed phenomena, even model selection involves assumptions about conditions, margins that the actor can adjust, and so on. The dissent and the conversations that it spurs can help to uncover these assumptions and potential biases that experts may have. After all, we are all human. Additionally, questions from nonexpert can reveal what information the value of a nonexpert reveals. This will help shape expert advice. Given that much of the information is implicit, the dialogue between experts and nonexperts can reveal additional information to the bush party to shape the interpretation framework for both experts and nonexperts.
Democracy is based on differences of opinion and ideas of conversation, at least in any terminology. Citizens argue and oppose each other. Conversations and discussions arise. Therefore, democratic experts must play a similar role. It is as objections and conversations with nonexpert (and each other). The ethical obligation of professionals is to fulfill this role, not merely acting at the request of non-persons, they are not yes-man. It may be against it, and it can be reassessed to the desires of non-persons.
To that end, I would suggest a broader version of the Hippocrates pledge, generally for professionals. Experts will help and at least do no harm. It often involves telling the nonexpert what they don’t want to hear. But that conversation can ultimately lead to better results.
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