Since the beginning of the pandemic, a deepening crisis of trust in American institutions has become apparent. This phenomenon encompasses not only governmental bodies but also the fields of science, media, and expert systems more broadly. The Trust Collaboratory’s official launch event explores what has led to this seemingly unprecedented rise of mistrust. Our lineup of international speakers—social scientists, historians, and legal scholars—share the belief that mistrust in expertise represents a danger to democratic politics insofar as science and experts are integral to the checks and balances on which liberal democracies depend for their health and functioning.

The conference will provide a platform for examining how some of the processes that undermine expert authority, including the diversification and socialization of expertise, have also had the salutary effect of democratizing expertise. Our speakers will explore this tension between the erosion of democracy and the democratization of expertise, seeking to advance our understanding of the potential risks and opportunities this process has unleashed.

We invite scholars, students, and interested parties to join us in exploring these pressing issues and contributing to the ongoing conversation about the role of trust in democratic politics and expertise.

Schedule | Thursday, April 20, 2023

09:30 am - 11:00 am

Democracy and Expertise

This event received generous support from: