Can Socrates Guide Us in Defining AI Expertise?

Understanding AI Expertise: A Reflection on Knowledge and Humility

Expert (adj.) Late 14c., "having had experience; skillful," from Old French expert, espert "experienced, practiced, skilled" and directly from Latin expertus (contracted from *experitus), "tried, proved, known by experience," past participle of experiri "to try, test," from ex "out of" (see ex-) + peritus "experienced, tested," from PIE *per-yo-, suffixed form of root *per- (3) "to try, risk." The adjective tends to be accented on the second syllable, the noun on the first. Related: Expertly; expertness.

expert (n.) Early 15c., "person wise through experience," from expert (adj.).

An expert in a domain is someone who has delved deeply into the vast sea of knowledge within a specific field, navigating its complexities with skill and insight. This individual has traversed the landscapes of their domain extensively, understanding its nuances, predicting its changes, and contributing to its expansion. Their expertise is built on a foundation of extensive experience, a deep understanding of the field's principles, and an ongoing engagement with its evolving frontiers.

However, in the rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence, the proliferation of titles like "AI expert," "AI Ambassador," and "AI EdTech specialist" raises important questions about the nature of expertise. The digital age has democratized access to information, allowing more individuals to acquire knowledge and participate in specialized fields than ever before. While this inclusivity is beneficial, it also blurs the lines between genuine expertise and perceived authority.

The label of "expert" in the context of AI, or any field for that matter, traditionally implies a deep, comprehensive understanding and significant contribution to the domain. Yet, the speed at which AI is developing and the breadth of its applications mean that the field is constantly on the frontier of the unknown. The question arises: how does one acquire the label of an "AI expert"? Is it through academic qualifications, years of experience, contributions to the field, or simply the ability to navigate AI-related discussions with confidence?

The ease with which individuals can now self-label or be anointed as experts in AI is at odds with the traditional definition of expertise. In a field as nascent and rapidly changing as AI, the depth and breadth of knowledge required to be considered an expert are immense. Moreover, the genuine expert is one who not only possesses extensive knowledge but also actively contributes to the expansion of the field. Given these criteria, the sudden surge of "experts" seems incongruent with the reality of what it truly means to master the complexities of AI.

Halting our reflection on expertise with a stringent judgment on all those who don themselves as experts or ambassadors of AI would be unjustly dismissive. Surely, there exists a path forward! If I aspire to someday earn the title of an AI expert—a distinction I humbly refrain from claiming at present—then embracing a more nuanced understanding of what it means to be an expert is crucial.

As we approach the wisdom of Socrates, who reminds us that acknowledging our ignorance is the foundation of true knowledge, we find a guiding light for this journey.

"I know that I know nothing."

Socrates offers a reconciling perspective. We are safe! This acknowledgment of one's own ignorance is not a declaration of ineptitude but an expression of the true essence of wisdom and expertise. It is a reminder that the realm of what we do not know is vast, especially in a field as uncharted and expansive as AI.

Thus, those who label themselves as experts in AI—or any field, for that matter—do so legitimately only when they embrace the humility that comes with recognizing the limits of their knowledge. It is through this lens that the proliferation of AI experts, ambassadors, and specialists can be understood and appreciated. These individuals, if they are genuine in their pursuit and acknowledgment of the unknown, contribute to the collective exploration and understanding of AI.

In light of this exploration, the hallmark of a true AI expert is found in the delicate equilibrium between confidence in one’s knowledge and humility in the face of the vast unknown. This duality reflects a deep understanding that, in the expansive and ever-changing field of artificial intelligence, the boundaries of knowledge are constantly being redrawn. Those who navigate this terrain with a keen awareness of its limitless potential and their own limitations contribute most significantly to its advancement.

As we venture further into the unknown, embracing Socrates' timeless wisdom—that recognizing our own ignorance is the first step to true knowledge—becomes increasingly pertinent. This perspective not only guides the pursuit of expertise in AI but also shapes the ethical and philosophical foundations upon which this technology is developed and applied.

Thus, the journey to becoming an AI expert is one marked by continuous learning, reflection, and a profound acknowledgment of the infinite scope of what remains to be discovered. It is a path that invites curiosity, demands humility, and thrives on the perpetual quest for deeper understanding.

As I approach my conclusion, a reflective inquiry emerges, touching the essence of my exploration: "Am I an AI expert?" Perhaps the answer lies not within myself but in the perceptions of those around me, in the impacts of my perceived contributions to the field, and my relentless pursuit of knowledge.

So maybe one day I will truly claim expertise in a domain so vast and uncharted through the recognition of my peers and the legacy of my inquiries. Only then I would have earned the right to such a title.

Pascal Vallet - February 2024 - In intellectual partnership with OpenAI's GPT engine to enhance knowledge depth, rhetorical polish, and conceptual clarity within a humanistic framework.