3 Fundamental Relations of Experts with Cultural Narcissism
Further discussion requires a brief description of the role of the expert as a participant in social changes as well as analysis of transformations of this role. According to Janusz Goćkowski (cf. 2001, 185–215; 2009, 123–152), it is assumed that this role is qualitatively different from the role of the theorist. In the most general terms, the theoretician influences the decision-makers in understanding the structure of the social world, the imagination, and inventiveness of policy-makers, creation of the techniques for social engineering with the knowledge and resourcefulness of citizens, and provides a scientific foundation for activities of experts as well (Goćkowski 2001, 214). Meanwhile, the role of the expert is to provide services in the form of consultation (advice), diagnosis (an analysis of the situation and possible options for the future), projects (operational plans and specifications of the strategies for achieving the objectives), as well as an assisting or obstructing the decisions of policy-makers concerning the process of “running the game“ of the present time—in order to preserve the status quo, to carry out reforms or to initiate the alternative governance. The correct playing of an expert role requires the cooperation with decision-makers and technical personnel, self-determination on the question of ideological disputes, discerning in their axiology and technology, and to have knowledge about their objectives and the measures (2001, 211– 214). An expert could be the holder of scientific competencies, engineer, or practically oriented scholar or manager, says Joanna Kurczewska (1997, 250– 251). Scientists are becoming experts if they are recognized as authorities by laypersons, the creators, and holders of common knowledge, with which they have immediate and extensive contacts or for those whom they work for. It is assumed here that the roles of experts can be understood only within the context of the principal institutions and the audience of other scientists and audiences of 17
