What Qualifies as an 'Expert' in Any Given Field?

ldquo;A person who has a comprehensive and authoritative knowledge of or skill in a particular area: a financial expert.rdquo; As defined above, an expert can be identified. However, in life, I suspect that ldquo;realrdquo; experts are recognized by their peers and other professionals. They are paid consulting fees for their advice based on their extensive experience and knowledge. In my opinion, a person who holds themselves out to be an expert should have at least three such consultations from well-recognized organizations before holding forth as an expert.

The courts routinely allow expert witnesses, which is another form of recognition. This practice highlights the formal and informal processes through which experts are validated. It is a bit like asking who can claim to be an ldquo;artist;rdquo; the answer depends on who you are talking with.

There are few people who are easily identified by anyone with a smattering of knowledge, like Pablo Picasso. Picasso is an artist that stands out in the field, much like certain experts in their respective domains are recognized by their peers in the industry.

However, it is worth noting that there are examples of individuals whose expertise in certain areas is vast, even if it is not their primary profession. These individuals have achieved such a level of knowledge that it could be argued they qualify as experts despite not making a living from it. For a fun example, take the Expert Witness scene from My Cousin Vinny. In this case, the character manages to provide expert testimony in an area in which he is not a professional, highlighting the potential for individuals to have specialized knowledge in areas they do not make a living in.

A Theoretical Perspective

Theoretically, no one can claim to be an expert on something without spending an inordinate amount of time studying the subject. Becoming an expert in anything requires time and dedication, making it challenging to pursue multiple professions simultaneously. Therefore, the only realistic way to become an expert on a subject you do not make a living from is to be incredibly wealthy, ensuring you can spend time and resources on gaining the necessary expertise.

One example of this is James Cameron, who is a definitive expert in deep-diving vehicles. Cameron is a visionary who, despite not generating income directly from deep-diving expeditions, has invested extensively in this area, making him an acknowledged expert in the field. This scenario highlights that true expertise often requires significant investment of time, resources, or wealth.

Commercial Viability of Expertise

Generally, if the subject is important enough to require expert counsel, it is likely that such expertise can be commercialized. Experts are often in demand for consulting roles, speaking engagements, or even the publication of books and articles, thereby generating income from their specialized knowledge. This commercial viability is a key factor in validating an individual as an expert in a given field.

In summary, while a formal definition of an expert exists, the recognition process can be both formal and informal. Whether through extensive experience and peer recognition, the ability to provide expert testimony, or the potential for commercialization, the path to becoming an acknowledged expert is multifaceted. For individuals aspiring to become experts, investing time, resources, and dedication is essential.