The Future of the Professions summary

Chapter 1: What's in it for

The Future of the Professions by Richard Susskind and Daniel Susskind Final Summary: What's in it for me? Understand how technology is changing the role of professional experts. What do you think? With advanced technology, have traditional professional positions such as lawyers, auditors, and bookkeepers become obsolete?

Perhaps you rely on a tax advisor, as you couldn't imagine filing your taxes on your own. Or, perhaps you're the type who instead, with a few Google searches, is changing the oil on your car, diagnosing a friend's persistent cough, and managing the books of your own personal business. These scenarios give rise to a debate that is relevant in today's internet-based society. Where exactly is the line between what we need experts to do and what we can do ourselves?

Perhaps more importantly, where should that line be or should it exist at all? Drawing on years of research, this summary introduces you to the changes currently taking place in the professional world. You'll see why these changes are necessary and what it means for our future. In this summary, you'll discover how a data-crunching computer handily beat two Jeopardy!

supercontestants, why if technology threatens a professional, he's doing professionalism wrong, and why tomorrow's automated world will have more jobs.

Chapter 2: Professionals are granted autonomy

Professionals are granted autonomy over a particular field in exchange for trained expertise. How skilled are you at doing your own taxes, diagnosing your own illnesses, or educating your children? These kinds of skills are certainly complicated. No person can manage all of life's challenges completely independently.

People need guidance on topics that they may not know much, or even anything about. This is why we turn to others who are more knowledgeable and skilled than we are in particular fields of expertise: professionals. Professionals educate our children, help run our businesses, fight for our legal rights and care for us when we're sick or injured. We trust professionals because of their knowledge, expertise, experience, and character.

Professionals don't simply memorize knowledge from textbooks and journals. They also know how to tailor that knowledge to each person with whom they work. They stay current with developments in their field and aim to maintain a high standard of quality in their practice. Importantly, we trust professionals, expecting them to be honest and selfless, keeping our best interests at heart.

In turn, society in general grants professionals the autonomy to manage their fields of expertise. We can think of professions like clubs. Members decide who gets in and set the standards for training, examinations, and required credentials. Professionals often also manage their own schools, universities, and institutes.

For example, if you want to be a credentialed teacher, you'll have to attend either a certified school or special classes and eventually pass a state examination. Some professions also often maintain full legal authority over certain fields, such as health. This is why only a licensed doctor can prescribe certain medicines, those that could be dangerous if not administered correctly. In short, we need professionals to keep us safe.