It would have been equally sloppy in the circumstances to use "Mr Beard" had Taleb been arguing with a man. When arguing with someone on their academic speciali

It would have been equally sloppy in the circumstances to use "Mr Beard" had Taleb been arguing with a man. When arguing with someone on their academic specialism using an incorrect title looks like a subtle (but deniable! how cute) insult. No gender politics required.