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Ask HN: Should someone of average intelligence bother with a PhD?
To preface, when the topics of doctoral degrees come up, there tends to be a lot of discussion on whether they’re worth it or now, the reasons for doing one (or not), or just general debates about academics or academia and whether they’re worth their salt. I’m not interested in rehashing that, so for the purpose of the question that the hypothetical subject does want to do a OhD and for the “right” reasons.
Would someone in a STEM field and of average intelligence be capable of completing a quality PhD? If the goal is to produce original research, is such a person likely to be capable of priding truly original work? Especially for fields that are more mature and much of the low hanging fruit plucked? Or would it be more likely that they struggle to understand the context and knowledge required to work on the bleeding edge of their respective field, ultimately leading to them dropping out, or producing barely novel work.
- darthrupert 5y agoPhD requires sweat more than brains. If hard work ain't a problem, you can do it.
- sigmaprimus 5y agoHow is the intelligence of the average person measured? When I think of an ideal PhD candidate and for the record I am definitely not PhD material, it requires the spark of ingenuity, the work ethic to hash out the viability of an idea and the ability to convey that idea in a coherent manner such that others can grasp the concept being offered and either accept or reject it. I wish I could study for a PhD in philosophical theology as I believe I have the imagination, but the areas of work ethic and clear communication I find myself lacking what would be required.
- throwaway122e 5y ago> How is the intelligence of the average person measured? I suppose for these purposes IQ. I’ve never taken a “real” IQ test personally. I’ve goofed off in obviously fake ones as well aren’t scams, but very generalized and watered down “practice” or “estimate” ones from slightly more reputable organizations, all come out rather unremarkable I wouldn’t expect the real thing to be much different.
- a_e_k 5y agoMatt Might's explanation might be useful: http://matt.might.net/articles/phd-school-in-pictures/ http://matt.might.net/articles/phd-school-in-pictures/ For the context and knowledge, that's where a having a good advisor, paper seminars, talking with more senior students, etc. can help.
- throwaway122e 5y agoYeah I’m just not sure I would be capable of breaking that boundary.
- thunkshift1 5y agoThis was quite a good way of visually demonstrating stuff. Side question: how did you hold onto/store this link? I am asking because id like to store and catalog interesting things that I read too.
- jqpabc123 5y agoFirst and foremost, why do you want a PhD? Money? Prestige? Advance the profession? To teach others? In the STEM fields, it is hard to justify the time, effort and money required in terms of objective financial return on investment. You'll need some altruistic motive to make it a semi-rational goal.
- throwaway122e 5y agoMostly the first three, I suppose. The particular field I’m in has some interesting developments I’ve done some cursory reading about and a lot of potentially very cool, but underdeveloped applications I’d like to get involved with and help move forward/develop. Additionally, a lot of the higher paid positions I’ve seen in the field tend to list high level graduate degrees as a requirement.
- jqpabc123 5y agoSounds like you are in software development. The most practical way to fame and fortune with STEM in America is entrepreneurship. Elon Musk doesn't have a PhD. Bill Gates didn't even have a BS. The point being that down where the rubber meets the road, ability supercedes credentials and running your own company is the best way to demonstrate ability. Corporate America has a poor track record when it comes to acknowledging and rewarding STEM --- hence the reason they have to literally beg kids to become their technology slaves as China kicks their azz.