From: Thom Quinn (tquinn@wi.rr.com)
Date: Sat Jul 27 2002 - 21:27:15 MDT
I agree with Damien's rhetorical question below (perhaps because I just
started to read Transcension last night); however, I'll add my two cents
worth.
1) A PhD alone does not elevate statements of opinion to the level of fact.
Heck, as the old saying goes "two PhDs, three opinions". In all disciplines,
you'll have a wide variety of viewpoints. I'll use the example of
Evolutionary Psychology. Take a look at the writing of Stephen Jay Gould,
Stephen Pinker, E.O. Wilson on the topic. Then, contrast the conclusion with
those of Steven Rose. You can't just take a three letters "PhD" at face
value. Some of the creationist have PhDs. You do need to look at the
evidence and the logic of the argument.
2) There are gradients of authority. If someone takes a 100 level psychology
class and then begins to analyze friends and family (which happens often),
they do not have the authority of a qualified psychologist. However, if
someone gets their BA in psych, they do have a level of authority beyond the
average educated person. An individual that worked for the MA in psych (and
wrote a limited thesis) would also become a 'higher' authority.
Thom
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-extropians@extropy.org
[mailto:owner-extropians@extropy.org]On Behalf Of Damien Broderick
Sent: Saturday, July 27, 2002 9:29 PM
To: extropians@extropy.org
Subject: Re: Authority and Expertise
At 02:09 PM 7/27/02 -0400, Eliezer wrote of:
>> I DO want to know the authority of the
>> writer
>I come down heavily on Lee's side in this. Trust content, not speakers.
>Although: I was recently very surprised when, after arguing briefly with
>a novice about evolutionary psychology, that person looked me up online
>and then complained about my having NOT said who I was!
Whaaa? Wait a minute--this discussion is getting totally derailed. When did
you get your PhD in evolutionary psychology? What chair or other academic
post in this discipline do you hold? Why would anyone regard you as an
*authority* on evolutionary psychology, rather than as a bright person who
has read some books on the topic (like many of the other amateurs here)?
Damien Broderick
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