5 ms·

As a math PhD (the usual, thesis-and-all kind), I really see no issue with Dr. Stallman identifying as such. A doctorate is a doctorate. And if it makes him ha

As a math PhD (the usual, thesis-and-all kind), I really see no issue with Dr. Stallman identifying as such. 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.

assttoasstmgr 4y ago
> 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.
- ekianjo 4y ago
  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.
  - pishpash 4y ago
    In what world is this true, except at fly-by-night places that advertise on TV?
    - forgotpwd16 4y ago
      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.
  - LtWorf 4y ago
    in sweden that'd mean 5 more years of university, after 5 years of university.
    - mgraczyk 4y ago
      In the US it's 2-5+ extra but depends a lot on the field.
- cycomanic 4y ago
  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.
  - vasco 4y ago
    You can buy honorary doctor degrees so it's way easier, probably just more rare.
- romwell 4y ago
  >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.

assttoasstmgr 4y ago

> 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.

ekianjo 4y ago
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.
- pishpash 4y ago
  In what world is this true, except at fly-by-night places that advertise on TV?
  - forgotpwd16 4y ago
    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.
- LtWorf 4y ago
  in sweden that'd mean 5 more years of university, after 5 years of university.
  - mgraczyk 4y ago
    In the US it's 2-5+ extra but depends a lot on the field.
cycomanic 4y ago
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.
- vasco 4y ago
  You can buy honorary doctor degrees so it's way easier, probably just more rare.
romwell 4y ago
>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.