I’ll probably be downvoted for pointing this out but I feel like it’s important. 90% of the comments at the time of my posting this are great examples of the logical fallacy a lot of intelligent people fall into where they think their intelligence in one area means they’re qualified to make assessments or reach conclusions in fields outside of their own. This would be the same error in judgment that’s turned the noot…
That's exactly what it means. Or rather, not that they're "qualified (period)" to "make assessments or reach conclusions in fields outside of their own", but "more qualified than someone not as intelligent".
And that's exactly what's the case in a general discussion, when expertise is not a prerequirement. But general discussions are still interesting - and can reach some ideas that actual experts missed or see some systematic expert bias (the way outsiders to a field often can see better than insiders). Of course a lot of it will be garbage still
Of course, if you want only experts on X talking, or people just reciting experts on X, then go to an X conference.
And, last not least, people discussing on an HN thread (or anywhere else) aren't gonna "reach conclusions" in the sense that thet will alter the expert consensus on the field. They aren't going to publish papers or give legal or expert advice on the matter. They're just discussing.
At best, as is their right, they'll follow themselves some misguided medical (or dietary or whatever) idea, or pass it on to someone else (who should, and will, still understand they're not their doctor, just another bro).