Why Do Colleges Give Honorary Degrees?

Re:Why Do Colleges Give Honorary Degrees? by thebooktocome on Wednesday August 26, 2015 @07:42AM (#10122256)

I have a PhD (in mathematics) and am conflicted about the "Dr." title. I think it ought to be reserved for medical doctors, as there is a social good associated with knowing there is a medical doctor in the general vicinity.

For non-MDs, it feels like insisting on the title is petty.

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Re:Why Do Colleges Give Honorary Degrees? by chrisseaton on Wednesday August 26, 2015 @08:42AM (#10122477)

Why should we accept medics stealing the meaning of a title that was created for academics?

The real question is why are medics without any form of doctoral degree calling themselves 'dr'?

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Re:Why Do Colleges Give Honorary Degrees? by thebooktocome on Wednesday August 26, 2015 @09:23PM (#10126991)

Why should we accept that academics "stole" the meaning of a title that was created for theologians?

http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=doctor

It's a matter of custom. Customs can be changed. If I'm injured and cry out, "someone fetch a doctor!" I sincerely hope a "medic" answers the call.

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Re:Why Do Colleges Give Honorary Degrees? by peterfirefly on Wednesday August 26, 2015 @07:49AM (#10122282)

I think medics should not be called doctors ("teachers") precisely because they don't have that degree.

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Re:Why Do Colleges Give Honorary Degrees? by cafard on Wednesday August 26, 2015 @09:21AM (#10122665)

At some point custom has to take over. Or shall we abolish the military rank of "lieutenant" because the officers of that rank are not ordinarily holding a place for someone?

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