He is trying to simply define the expert as that which knows, on a field delimited of knowing. But this approach finds its limits quickly, since one recognizes the need for differentiating the expert from the Savant or even from the Spécialiste. The expert is indeed less defined in oneself, than like the vector of an answer to a request for expertise.
Une new concept, derived from the concept of expert, appears who is the “expertise citizen” , which can possibly mobilize a scientific Contre-expertise.
Des enquiring also tries since the end of the 20th century to develop and refine expert systems generally based on Logiciel S conceived for in some " kind; imiter" the step of Analysis of experts of a field given (ex: assistance with the medical diagnosis).

Elements of definition

The scientist is considered to control the Connaissance of a given field, and this knowledge, supposed to have a reality in oneself, can generally be formalized and regarded as objectifies. In other words the scientist is with the service of his knowledge.
L' expert is by difference rather Maître in a knowledge, which naturally integrates elements of knowledge, but which takes into account a not formalized experiment and transmitted knowledge. The expert is thus carrying his knowledge and it is for this reason that he testifies.

In opposition to the specialist, it is awaited of the expert that it is expressed and that he takes party in debates or interrogations with his range. In addition to one quality of specialist, the expert is thus defined as the man ready to clarify a judgment on a subject and to intervene in the debates which relate to it.

The expert is thus more than one scientist and than a specialist since it combines an open competence and an aptitude to be communicated on his subject.

Awaited qualities

One generally awaits expert several qualities:

  • To have a knowledge which is not exceeded by that of the scientist

  • To have the capacity because of its experiment and of an integration of varied knowledge, to express relevant judgments judged (sagacity)
  • to appear ready to communicate and take part in open debates with decision makers and not-experts.
  • honêtetée and independence. The neutrality of the opinion of the expert can be forced by engagements (signatures of clauses of confidentiality, To have of reserve), conflicts of interest or pressures on behalf of some of others as of its employers. To limit the risks of this type, many international agencies or main roads wanting to be " indépendantes" , in accordance with their statutes, now ask their scientific experts to deposit and sign a “ declaration of interest ”. For example since October 2007, the experts of EFSA must sign an annual declaration indexing “ all the interests related on their professional functions, the royalties, the affiliations ”, this declaration will be accessible to all on Internet site from the Agency. Moreover each expert will have to establish a “ specific declaration of interest ” for each meeting and in relation to “any mandate given”. The EFSA envisaged an examination of the possible declarations aiming detecting potential conflict of interest and at acting consequently. The interests taken into account are direct or indirect: in fact for example the conflicts of interest could be induced an employment (current or old, of which in subcontracting), investments, any type of fees, a participation in the capital of a company, a purse, a sponsorship or any type of service as well as interest rising from the community activities of the expert or of his close relations or close relations; membership or the affiliation with an organization or at organization having interests in work of the EFSA. The expert must in particular provide a detailed Curriculum vitae , which can pose problem in the case of expert having done work concerning the Confidentialité imposed by contract, or of concerning defense. This transparency answers some scandal linkeds with a partial expertise, but also with the fact that in certain field emergent (certain fields of the genetic engineering or nanomatériaux) for example, it is difficult to find experts who are not more or less related to companies or private interests or public)

This table is revealing potential points of weakness of the expert: not to be rather erudite, to miss judgment (the most serious defect), to be bad communicating, or to have external interests likely to influence its judgment or its opinion.
On can thus sometimes reproach an expert " trop" to communicate well and thus mask possible basic insufficiencies.

In the real sector

In this sector, there exist two types of experts:

  • experts charged to evaluate the monetary value of the goods,

  • and those also called diagnostiqueurs real estate who analyze the good to measure his exact surface, to identify the presence or not Plomb, of Amiante, of Parasite S, to measure the thermal performances or as regards sound Isolation.

Quotations

" An expert is somebody who knows some more and more about less and less things until with this that it absolutely knows absolutely all about rien." (Anonymity)

" expert is recognized with the number of meetings which it organizes each day that made god, and with that of master keys that it asks its contemporaries effectuer" (Anonymity)

" The experts were born from the great need that they had them-mêmes" (Andre Santini, deputy and mayor of Issy-les-Moulineaux)

See too

  • Public debate
  • Counter-evaluation

External bonds

To see

  • Jacot (Henri), Fouquet (Annie). - The citizen, the elected official, the expert: for a pluralist step of evaluation of the public policies. - bets: harmattan (it), 2007. - 241p. N° 11759.

External bonds

August 1st

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