I have no problem with design patterns as a concept. And I have no problem with design patterns being taught as the collective folk wisdom of wise sages of indu

I have no problem with design patterns as a concept. And I have no problem with design patterns being taught as the collective folk wisdom of wise sages of industry. However, design patterns are craft, not engineering, and should be taught as vocational training--not as an academic subject. Design patterns have no rigorous underpinnings. They have very little academic research to back up their efficacy. The only "proof" we have that the design patterns being taught are beneficial is the word of a few guys who wrote a book and the collective folk wisdom of industry. There is nothing wrong with this, but it isn't firm foundation for an academic subject.