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E81: Status, Sacred, and Neglected Truths with Robin Hanson
"Upstream" with Erik Torenberg
Defining Elites vs. Experts in Society
Elites and experts occupy distinct roles in society, where experts possess in-depth knowledge in specific fields, such as construction or medicine, allowing them to make informed judgments. In contrast, elites are characterized by their overall impressive qualities and qualifications for leadership and management roles, irrespective of their specific knowledge. Attributes contributing to elite status include intelligence, articulation, well-connectedness, and sometimes celebrity status. Meetings and conferences often highlight this distinction, where speakers may be experts while panels consist of elites. This dynamic illustrates the movement between the two roles; for instance, individuals may shift from expert to elite upon achieving recognition, such as winning a Nobel Prize, prompting them to engage in wider societal discussions through op-eds and panels. Conversely, elites may present themselves as experts in discussions despite lacking the depth of knowledge that experts possess. While elites may seek avenues to seem expert-like, experts frequently harbor aspirations to transition into elite status, highlighting a notable envy that tends to flow in one direction.
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