Byron I think this is great. My one thing to add here is that politics can sometimes be made apparent by what *not* to discuss. Somethings simply aren't on the table, which is itself a political decision. A great example would be the willingness to discuss, or not discuss, the highly polarizing question of covid19 origin.
Great post, Byron! Perhaps this question does not address the public choice/perception of an expert's "proper" role within the political discourse, but: what do you make of the fact that an expert is likely to be more adept at processing information into policy decisions in general than the average voter? Obviously experts are susceptible to pervasive biases and information asymmetries (just like average voters), but should we put any stock in the fact that these are people who are seriously engaged in a process that attempts to discern truth (regardless of what their "core" area of expertise in)? In other words, should experts still be esteemed for opinions they hold outside of their core area of expertise, just as, say, someone might esteem their "smart friend"?
Byron I think this is great. My one thing to add here is that politics can sometimes be made apparent by what *not* to discuss. Somethings simply aren't on the table, which is itself a political decision. A great example would be the willingness to discuss, or not discuss, the highly polarizing question of covid19 origin.
Great post, Byron! Perhaps this question does not address the public choice/perception of an expert's "proper" role within the political discourse, but: what do you make of the fact that an expert is likely to be more adept at processing information into policy decisions in general than the average voter? Obviously experts are susceptible to pervasive biases and information asymmetries (just like average voters), but should we put any stock in the fact that these are people who are seriously engaged in a process that attempts to discern truth (regardless of what their "core" area of expertise in)? In other words, should experts still be esteemed for opinions they hold outside of their core area of expertise, just as, say, someone might esteem their "smart friend"?