Understanding Expertise: A Study of Craft Knowledge in Plato

My research project aims to study the notion of ‘expertise’ (techne) in the philosopher Plato who wrote many influential works during the 5th and 4th century Classical Greece. During his lifetime, Greece was undergoing radical transformations both intellectually and politically. As a response, Plato engaged with many issues concerning democracy, education and morality, the insights he offered continue to impact thinkers in the Western world today. One key development during his lifetime was the emergence of professionalization. Plato was interested in questions such as what makes someone an expert in a particular field? What is expert knowledge? How can professionals demonstrate their expertise? How can ordinary citizens distinguish between a real expert and a quack? My research will investigate and clarify Plato’s understanding of expertise. Most importantly, I will examine how his views of expertise shaped his thinking on political and ethical issues. Should political leaders be experts? If so, what is their expertise? How can citizens judge the competence of political candidates? Should moral wisdom be taught, learned and practiced like a specialized skill? My research project will answer these puzzling issues and contribute to a neglected area in Platonic studies.

Faculty Supervisor:

Devin Henry

Student:

Partner:

Lewis & Clark College

Discipline:

Sociology

Sector:

Education; Public Service, Policy, and Governance; Technology

University:

Western University

Program: