What Is the Primacy of Expertise? Since When Have We Come to Realize the Need for Experts?
In response to the question “What is the primacy of expertise?” we must say that in relation to any organized system, we need the help of an expert to be able to work with that system, and no sound mind accepts referring to a non-expert in relation to any tool or phenomenon in the world. Accepting and applying this principle requires not literacy but intellect, and all human beings have it.
To better understand the principle of the primacy of expertise, we need to examine the human behavior in consulting an expert. Normally, in dealing with any system, we first consult the creator of that system and then his reliable expert in the four phases of definition, launching, utilization, and maintenance and repair. The human being has displayed this behavior since the beginning of creation. Even in the earliest human societies, each individual took on a specific responsibility according to his abilities. As a result, contrary to the opinions of empiricists, seeking an expert is not an unnatural, acquired, or experience-based act.
The “definition” phase is the first stage in dealing with any system, in which the characteristics, terms of use, weaknesses, and strengths of the device are determined.
The “launching” phase includes the information needed to install the system, information such as the form of energy and what needs to be done to operate it.
The terms of using the device, necessary precautions and warnings regarding its level and mode of operation are specified in the “utilization” phase.
The final phase, that is maintenance and repair, determines where to go if any problem arises, how to repair the device and how to contact the manufacturer or authorized support centers.
Additionally, each phase includes crucial points and warnings, which if ignored, could lead to irreparable damage to the system.
When and Where Do We Consult an Expert?
Normally, we follow the principle of the ‘primacy of expertise’ in everything. But “What is the primacy of expertise?” “What Is it about?” To further clarify this, let us consider another example. Imagine receiving a precious and rare plant seed as a gift from one of your dearest friends. Do you seek advice from some skilled gardeners about optimal growing conditions and environmental factors before planting it, or do you just plant the seed in the first pot at hand? If you choose the first option, imagine an expert mechanic with years of experience in town, whom you trust for his expertise in fixing cars. He asks you to plant your rare seed while he is wiping his greasy hands on the front of his overalls. What would your answer be? You probably would not even allow him to touch your valuable seed. Now, if instead of the master mechanic, an apprentice carpenter or a cardiologist claims to be able to plant and take care of your seed, what would you do?
If you trust any of these people, and in the end, your plant dies or does not bloom, who would you blame?
Certainly, you have only yourself to blame for ruining the seed. The mechanic, the apprentice carpenter, and the cardiologist have just made an offer, it is you who have taken up on the offer and accepted the responsibility and consequences. If you do not know the answer to “What is the primacy of expertise?” and choose non-experts, because you have been influenced by factors like false advertising or negligence, you will let go of the non-experts as soon as you realize your mistake.
Importance of the Principle of the Primacy of Expertise
In every matter, failure to find the leading expert or ignoring expert advice is a grave mistake for which we should immediately compensate because the wrong choice makes us deviate from the right path, and we will not achieve our ultimate goal.
If we continue on the wrong path after understanding our mistake, we will feel a sense of self-criticism. Knowing the answer to “What is the primacy of expertise” also applies to our most important and decisive choice, that is, choosing the overall goal and path of our lives. A choice made without having the right guidance and role model will not lead to the right outcome. In fact, the role model we choose for ourselves in life reflects our level of faith or lack of faith in God, the Creator. The extent to which this role model is aligned with what God approves of and has shaped the characteristics of our souls accordingly shows to what extent we have taken the right path.
In fact, we are the precious and beautiful seed and our body is our pot. It is our soul that needs to grow in the body. The path we take in life and our guides in choosing and threading this path determine our destiny. The fertile soil of the body and the healthy and strong seed are available to all of us, but the outcome is not same for everyone. Some seeds grow into vast forests and fertile fields on the journey of life, and some seeds remain barren. The difference lies in the gardener and how he nurtures them. Is our gardener familiar with all our qualities and potentials? Does he know how to nurture them?
Who Is the Expert of Our Being?
As humans we have the most complex system in creation. No scientist, philosopher, or scholar can claim to know every aspect of our existence. That is why we need a roadmap to thread the path of life, a roadmap that shows us all the twists, turns, ups and downs, and dangers along the way. Even the smallest mistake in the path of life can lead us astray from our destination or onto the path of deviation. God, who is our Creator, has sent to us infallible experts with a complete roadmap. The structure of our existence always attests to our belief in “What is the primacy of expertise?” This is because we innately seek out an expert for everything we face in life. It is strange that while we always base our choices on the primacy of expertise in other matters, when it comes to our own existence, we deviate from this principle. The beauty and vitality of the seed of our existence have a direct relation with our closeness with and following the role models and guides introduced by God.
In this article, we discussed “What is the primacy of expertise?” and how important it is to understand this principle. Naturally, we turn to the creator of a system or his reliable expert in the four stages of definition, launching, utilization, and maintenance and repair. The primacy of expertise is not an acquired or experiential matter. It is something we value from childhood; for instance, when our favorite toy needs to be repaired, we never give it to someone we does not know how to fix it. Finally, we highlighted that more than anything else, we need an expert to help us understand ourselves as human beings.
Do you also consult an expert to know yourself? In your perspective, which expert do you think has the most comprehensive knowledge about the different dimensions of our existence? Do not hesitate to share your opinions with us.