Scott H. Young’s article “Just Trust the Experts” makes a compelling case for leaning on the consensus of knowledgeable professionals rather than jumping on contrarian bandwagons. Reflecting on his own journey through dense textbooks and mainstream nutritional science, Young argues that the collective, evidence-based views of experts are generally more reliable than the seductive allure of dissenting voices. He tackles common objections—such as claims that experts ignore key evidence, are biased, or even represent “fake” expertise—and contends that while no field is beyond reproach, the rigorous process experts use to form opinions ultimately leads to better decision-making in areas that impact our lives. Rather than celebrating contrarianism for its own sake (which can often be intellectually lazy), he encourages a more nuanced approach: trust expert consensus while understanding the complexity behind their conclusions, much as you’d trust a well-calibrated tool over a flashy gadget.

Key Points:

• Trusting Experts: The central thesis is that expert consensus, built on extensive study and accumulated knowledge, offers more reliable guidance than individual contrarian opinions.
• Addressing Objections: Common critiques—including claims of bias, ignored evidence, and fake expertise—are examined and countered, emphasizing that omitting some details can be a strategic simplification rather than a flaw.
• Intellectual Responsibility: Truly understanding expert conclusions requires deep engagement with the underlying evidence and models, not merely parroting opinions.
• Field-Specific Confidence: Confidence in expert opinions varies by field; for instance, physics is more robust compared to more volatile areas like nutrition.
• Value of Contrarianism: While some degree of expert dissent spurs progress, unbridled contrarianism is likened to risky gambling—it might occasionally strike gold but more often leads to costly mistakes.

And here's a joke: trusting experts is like following a GPS—sure, it sometimes takes you on a baffling detour, but at least you’re not ending up in a lake wondering where you went wrong!
Link to Article