When Prophecy Flails: The Problem of Over-Confident Experts in Uncertain Times

National Association of Scholars

When the SARS-CoV-2 virus first appeared, many experts understated the threat. In March and April, during the debate on re-opening, these same experts coalesced around the most hyperbolic disease modeling while ignoring similarly credentialed experts warning against overreaction.

Now, in June, the potential for a second wave of coronavirus is sending shocks through Wall Street, pocketbooks, and small businesses. The advice of experts is sure to guide public policy, but should they be entrusted with the power they’ve so far had?

Join the National Association of Scholars this Thursday, June 18, at 2 pm Eastern as we discuss how a self-governing republic can best use the expertise of specialists without becoming captive to their often blinkered views of public policy.

When Prophecy Flails

The Problem of Over-Confident Experts in Uncertain Times
Thursday, June 18, at 2 pm Eastern

Panelists

This virtual event will feature Julie Kelly, political commentator and senior contributor to American Greatness; Roger Kimball, editor and publisher of The New Criterion and president and publisher of Encounter Books; Alexander Riley, professor of sociology at Bucknell University; and Sally Satel, M.D., resident scholar at AEI and the staff psychiatrist at a local methadone clinic in D.C. The discussion will be moderated by Peter W. Wood, president of the National Association of Scholars.

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