I would contend that having a high degree of education in anything develops certain thinking abilities that are widely transferable. At some point, they transfo

I would contend that having a high degree of education in anything develops certain thinking abilities that are widely transferable. At some point, they transform from being a "layman" into being an "amateur philosopher" simply by virtue of these transferable thinking skills. Of course being an amateur doesn't lend a high degree of credibility, but certainly more than the average Joe.