3 ms·

I have problems with some of RMS's opinions and behavior, but I have no problem with him calling himself "Dr." One of my professors used to talk about the diff

I have problems with some of RMS's opinions and behavior, but I have no problem with him calling himself "Dr." One of my professors used to talk about the difference between a Masters degree and a PhD: "To get a Masters degree you have to learn something. To get a PhD the world has to learn something." The world has learned a great deal from RMS. Regardless of what one thinks of him as a person, he's probably been more influential on how the world thinks about software than the vast majority of PhDs.

assttoasstmgr 4y ago
The world has also learned a great deal from Tom Silva on This Old House, does that set the precedent to be called "Dr. of Carpentry"?
- joecool1029 4y ago
  If institutions that award normal doctorates in carpentry decided he contributed enough to the field to be conferred a doctorate.... absolutely?
- alex_sf 4y ago
  Unironically, I'd be fine with that.
- DonHopkins 4y ago
  Dr. Demento introduced Weird Al Yankovic to the world.
  - Eleison23 4y ago
    The Beastie Boys issued millions of "License to Ill" but they never specified an expiration date.
qutierust 4y ago
kelnos 4y ago
RMS actually did ask a few of the universities who granted him doctorates, if it was acceptable for him to use the title "Doctor". Some said no, some said yes, and some said he should use "Dr.(h.c.)"[0] (as in "doctor, honoris causa", where we get the term "honorary doctorate", even though, as RMS points out, it'd be perhaps more accurate to call it "doctorate for honor"[1]). Of course, he took that as license to just do whatever he wanted to do. Personally I wouldn't even consider adopting any kind of title in the first place, but if I was of that bent, I would at least have the decency to append the "(h.c.)". I do believe that RMS's contributions to the world have been significant, but, to me, at least, a doctorate is something you get after completing a doctoral program. If you don't do that, you should call yourself a "doctor, honoris causa" -- because that's what you are! -- not a "doctor". But what do I know, I only completed a bachelor's degree, and even then only barely. [0] https://stallman.org/articles/dr-stallman.html https://stallman.org/articles/dr-stallman.html [1] I learned something new today!
- fsflover 4y ago
  > some said yes So, regardless of your personal opinion, he is allowed to call himself Dr.
  - epse 4y ago
    Titles like Dr. are protected by law in many countries, so the answer probably still is "it depends", considering regional differences
- P5fRxh5kUvp2th 4y ago
  Who gives a shit if he calls himself Doctor or not. This is character assassination, leave it alone.
dizhn 4y ago
He could probably apply today and get a doctorate from a pretty good school in two years. That said i do find it weird that he'd use the title. He's a weird guy but also someone I look up to. :)
- pvaldes 4y ago
  And who do we think that could mentor him? Who could teach him what is open source for example?

assttoasstmgr 4y ago

The world has also learned a great deal from Tom Silva on This Old House, does that set the precedent to be called "Dr. of Carpentry"?

joecool1029 4y ago
If institutions that award normal doctorates in carpentry decided he contributed enough to the field to be conferred a doctorate.... absolutely?
alex_sf 4y ago
Unironically, I'd be fine with that.
DonHopkins 4y ago
Dr. Demento introduced Weird Al Yankovic to the world.
- Eleison23 4y ago
  The Beastie Boys issued millions of "License to Ill" but they never specified an expiration date.

qutierust 4y ago

kelnos 4y ago

RMS actually did ask a few of the universities who granted him doctorates, if it was acceptable for him to use the title "Doctor". Some said no, some said yes, and some said he should use "Dr.(h.c.)"[0] (as in "doctor, honoris causa", where we get the term "honorary doctorate", even though, as RMS points out, it'd be perhaps more accurate to call it "doctorate for honor"[1]). Of course, he took that as license to just do whatever he wanted to do. Personally I wouldn't even consider adopting any kind of title in the first place, but if I was of that bent, I would at least have the decency to append the "(h.c.)". I do believe that RMS's contributions to the world have been significant, but, to me, at least, a doctorate is something you get after completing a doctoral program. If you don't do that, you should call yourself a "doctor, honoris causa" -- because that's what you are! -- not a "doctor". But what do I know, I only completed a bachelor's degree, and even then only barely. [0] https://stallman.org/articles/dr-stallman.html https://stallman.org/articles/dr-stallman.html [1] I learned something new today!

fsflover 4y ago
> some said yes So, regardless of your personal opinion, he is allowed to call himself Dr.
- epse 4y ago
  Titles like Dr. are protected by law in many countries, so the answer probably still is "it depends", considering regional differences
P5fRxh5kUvp2th 4y ago
Who gives a shit if he calls himself Doctor or not. This is character assassination, leave it alone.

dizhn 4y ago

He could probably apply today and get a doctorate from a pretty good school in two years. That said i do find it weird that he'd use the title. He's a weird guy but also someone I look up to. :)

pvaldes 4y ago
And who do we think that could mentor him? Who could teach him what is open source for example?