Comments on: Book Review: The Death of Expertise

By: ThomasLaRock

ThomasLaRock — Wed, 10 May 2017 14:33:00 +0000

In reply to Grant Fritchey. Yep, you should read the book, it talks about what you have just mentioned. I think it is partly the same reason for why conspiracy theories exist. Because the world is complex and conspiracy theories often offer an easy explanation, even if the facts don't add up. That same human trait is in play when we see people reject science and suggest that babies are healthier if they drink raw milk. It's crazy.

By: ThomasLaRock

ThomasLaRock — Wed, 10 May 2017 14:30:00 +0000

In reply to Grant Fritchey. Bless your heart.

By: Grant Fritchey

Grant Fritchey — Wed, 10 May 2017 12:34:00 +0000

There is a double-edged sword going on here. Yes, there is some type of dumbing down going on overall. However, there is a decided step-down in “expertise” these days. Look to the reproducibility crises going on in science. Look to the dismissal of the scientific method as being too “-ist” to be used for meaningful inquiry (sexist, racist, etc.). Look to the wide-spread correction of established knowledge such as the impact of salt or fat on diet & weight. The exact causes of all this are unclear (at least to me), but there does seem to be actual justification for a dismissal of “expertise” as measured by having credentials.

But what do I know, I dropped out of college (well, film school, almost the same thing).

By: Grant Fritchey

Grant Fritchey — Wed, 10 May 2017 12:25:00 +0000

It would be “all y’all” in this usage.

By: SQL Profiler Will Never Die - Thomas LaRock

SQL Profiler Will Never Die - Thomas LaRock — Tue, 09 May 2017 21:44:07 +0000

[…] In yesterday’s post I mentioned two forms of bias, cognitive and confirmation. There are many forms of bias when it comes to surveys and sampling. In most cases bias is unintentional, often the result of a sampling procedure not being well thought out. The Twitter poll gives me an opportunity to point out why such things as Twitter polls and blog surveys are poor sampling methods. […]

By: ThomasLaRock

ThomasLaRock — Tue, 09 May 2017 19:10:00 +0000

In reply to zzx375.

The degree should indicate to an employer your ability to do a certain level of work. This “work” is in the form of research, communication (written and verbal), collaboration, analytical thinking and reasoning. All of those skills are applicable to a wide range of fields. My background in mathematics allowed for me to pursue just about any field I would have wanted, mostly based upon the logical and analytical skills required to earn my BA, and then my MS.

Alas, those degrees are worth less with each passing year. Fortunately I have practical work experience at this point to make up the difference. But the value of a BA or MS today isn’t what it was, IMO. At least not the degree by itself. You need to find relevant work experience to amplify your degree. There are schools like Northeastern that specialize in co-op programs to help students get both education and experience.

Don’t get me started on the money part. I’ve no interest in borrowing to pay for my children’s college expenses.

Thanks for the comments, much appreciated!

By: zzx375

zzx375 — Tue, 09 May 2017 17:55:00 +0000

In reply to ThomasLaRock.

“…Your degree should measure your ability to do work. …” It should but most/many do not. If the degree program contains an internship then “yes”. Most if not all degree programs do not equip the student to actually work in the field for which the degree is intended to prepare them.

And regarding borrowing of money for education, the government shouldn’t be in the loan business by virtue of quasi-governmental entities that buy loan portfolios from lending institutions (so that those lending institutions can clear those loans off their books enabling them to generate more loans).