(no subject)

[ewt]

What makes someone an expert on something? What distinguishes an expert from an amateur? I'm not just talking about careers here, but areas of interest as well. When is knowledge the only indicator of expertise, and when to skill and good judgement come in?

[Poll #838240]

Comments

[rzigweid.livejournal.com]

I really cannot find fault in your criteria, with exception of maybe the 5% rule. I also think that this criteria is possibly variable based upon the field. For instance, even a pioneer in a brand new field, might not be considered an expert because of the vast amount of knowledge that remains unknown.

Teaching (both ability and willingness) is another criteria I should think would contribute. It doesn't put someone into the category of expert, but I think not teaching should probably exclude them, even if it is just to one or two other people. Hording knowledge is..bad IMHO.