Who Counts as an Expert? Numbers, Uncertainty, and the Measurement of Knowledge

The session will investigate how uncertainty is measured, communicated, and interpreted across different domains, examining the role of numerical representations in establishing and challenging expert authority. Key topics include the quantification of uncertainty in science, law, policy, and media, and how numerical literacy influences our perception of expert advice. The workshop will critically examine how different stakeholders use numbers to define, validate, and negotiate expertise, addressing fundamental questions about the relationship between numerical precision, professional judgment, and the complex dynamics of knowledge production in an increasingly data-driven world.

For more information contact Dr David Chivers (Department of Economics) at david.chivers@durham.ac.uk

This event is supported by the Institute of Advanced Study.