Re:An elegy for GNU and RMS
by assttoasstmgr on Sunday October 02, 2022 @12:17AM
(#33052804)
> Unlike, say, the case of Dr. Phil.
Except Dr. Phil does have an actual PhD. Which he attended university and defended via dissertation. Unlike, say, RMS.
An honorary doctor is in general significantly harder to get than a regular PhD. If we want to talk about people undeservedly getting the Dr. title, let's talk about medical doctors. The thesis to get the title is often a joke even compared to a masters thesis.
You can buy honorary doctor degrees so it's way easier, probably just more rare.
>Except Dr. Phil does have an actual PhD. Which he attended university and defended via dissertation. Unlike, say, RMS.
Well that's the point.
When RMS says he's a "Doctor", the expectation is "made a significant contribution to computer science" - which, arguably, he did.
When Dr. Phil says he's a "doctor", the expectation is "qualified and licensed to practice medicine in his field". Which he is very much not (in particular, he hasn't renewed his license).
Context matters.
A PHD is not that hard to get when you already reach masters degree. Its mostly a matter of choice, not mad skills or something.
In what world is this true, except at fly-by-night places that advertise on TV?
Re:An elegy for GNU and RMS
by forgotpwd16 on Sunday October 02, 2022 @05:09AM
(#33054288)
As is usual the case with the "I could easily do it had I have the chance", the world of not having enrolled in a PhD programme.
in sweden that'd mean 5 more years of university, after 5 years of university.
A doctorate is a doctorate. And if it makes him happier, why not? There's no harm or confusion (his qualifications are clear enough in any context where they matter). Unlike, say, the case of Dr. Phil.
There so many other things to have an issue with about Stallman, I don't know why this one stands out in particular.
...that said, the only time I've used the "Dr." next to my name was on obnoxious web forms which force me to choose between Mr/Ms/etc, and Dr. is the only non-gendered option.