Why aren't Spock, Data, LaForge, Dax, etc PhDs?

[fireproof78]

Actually, I think you quite accurately quantified where I was going with this, and far more eloquently than I did. Sometimes my brain just gets too worn out to elucidate on certain things, especially close to the end of the day after an 8-hour code binge, when I just want to go home and be one with the couch.

Well, apparently my eloquence comes out when I type lol

I would say, "Doctors aren't distinguished by having knowledge. They are distinguished by having produced knowledge."

Again, wasn't trying to be pedantic at all. It sounded far more exclusionary than it seems to have been meant. I appreciate the clarification.

 

[The Vorta-lak]

Again, wasn't trying to be pedantic at all. It sounded far more exclusionary than it seems to have been meant. I appreciate the clarification.

I have no problem with what you wrote. However, it was important to keep in mind the tenor of the conversation on the first page: knowledge should be enough to have a doctorate. It was against that notion that I was responding.

 

[fireproof78]

I have no problem with what you wrote. However, it was important to keep in mind the tenor of the conversation on the first page: knowledge should be enough to have a doctorate. It was against that notion that I was responding.

Appreciate the clarification.

 

[Nyotarules]

In the Trek future an Earth based degree is just one of many. For Vulcans a PhD might be their version of a Bachelors degree. However Dr Carol Wallace Marcus did not use her rank. Maybe its personal choice, with all the new knowledge a starship crew experiences they should all have PhDs.

 

[137th Gebirg]

Indeed, Uhura apparently had PhD-level linguistics skills.

 

[Kirby]

Every episode would need to replicate the "Doctor, Doctor, Doctor, Doctor" introduction joke from Spies Like Us.
I can live with that.

Stargate did it, and I still found it hilarious.

 

[rocketscientist]

Thank ye kindly. And sorry to hear about your dad. I've known other families who have lost loved ones around the holidays and it's particularly hard-hitting during such times.

Thank you Gebrig.

He had an extremely malignant Stage IV salivary gland cancer. Essentially 3 years of fear and complete misery.

I'm still processing his death. It's still surreal. ​

 

[rocketscientist]

Thank ye kindly. And sorry to hear about your dad. I've known other families who have lost loved ones around the holidays and it's particularly hard-hitting during such times.

Thank you Gebrig.

He had an extremely malignant Stage IV salivary gland cancer. Essentially 3 years of fear, multiple set backs, near death, and complete misery.

I'm still processing his death. It's still surreal. We're all kind of traumatized still. No funeral, but we buried him the day before Christmas Eve.

 

[137th Gebirg]

My condolences. Hopefully you and your family will be able to find closure sooner than later with that situation.

 

[ChallengerHK]

I work with a few Ph.Ds and a couple of MDs. Neither seem to care about titles and seem kind of surprise when I address them as "Dr. So-and-So."

I used to work for a manager with a Doctorate. When he was introduced to me, my boss said "This is Doctor Gerald XXXXX" (name redacted to keep from embarrassing the schmuck). I said "Nice to meet you, Gerald," and he said "Actually, it's Doctor XXXXX."

I had a professor who was a retired O-6 (full bird Colonel), a Minister and a Ph.D. He had all three on his business card, reading, IIRC, Colonel Doctor Reverend Jim XXXXX (same redaction).

Lastly, I worked for a fool who was also a retired O-6 (also Army) and an Ed.D, who insisted on being called "Doctor."

I do agree, though, that these are the exceptions to the rule.

 

[at Quark's]

^ I don't think I've ever used credentials outside job application letters, where listing them in the 'Education' section is kind of functional. Where I live, many people would feel unnecessary use of such titles to be in poor taste, anyway.

 

[Hofner]

I used to work as a lab technician at a research center for a chemical company. Quite a few PhDs worked there and they all just went by their first names.

Robert

 

[137th Gebirg]

^^^ That's likely because they were confident and comfortable in their own skin and status and didn't need to project authority by hammering lesser beings over the head with their titles like a bunch of Sheldon Coopers.

When you have to remind people that you're a leader, you're really not.

 

[JirinPanthosa]

It might be a cultural thing where using the term ‘Doctor’ as a status symbol and not just a statement of profession is seen as aristocratic.

 

[The Vorta-lak]

^ I don't think I've ever used credentials outside job application letters, where listing them in the 'Education' section is kind of functional. Where I live, many people would feel unnecessary use of such titles to be in poor taste, anyway.

I generally prefer not to use my credentials. I'll put in PhD when I am formally writing out my name, and if I am in a "social" or work situation in which people are addressing each other as "doctor," I will follow along (this happens far more often than I would like). Otherwise, I don't care, and even when it is one of those social situations. (To have fun, I may ask the non-PhDs to call me by my first name.)

There is one situation where one should insist on being called "doctor:" at school. My aunt, who holds an EdD, convinced me that it was important and necessary to do so. First, it is a situation in which it is being recognized. Second, teachers and people in education insist that credentials garner respect, something that they want their students to model for purposes of behavior and motivation. Third, it helps to exert influence over teachers. On the last count, she was right. Subjectively speaking, I started to get quicker and more favorable responses. Perhaps they I fear I know as much or more about the subject or how to teach as they do?

That said, don't assume you can be informal with anyone, regardless of whether they are Mr. or Ms. or Dr. or Col. or Rev. or whatever. Don't assume they are putting on airs. Assume at the very least that you should call them Mr. or Ms. until they let you do otherwise. It's better to do a little that will put the other person at ease rather than assume that they are erecting social barriers between you.

 

[rocketscientist]

^^^ That's likely because they were confident and comfortable in their own skin and status and didn't need to project authority by hammering lesser beings over the head with their titles like a bunch of Sheldon Coopers.

When you have to remind people that you're a leader, you're really not.

Word! (though I'd say in my case it's more I'm resigned, try to be humble, and I'm not a leader).

I only have it on my business cards, that's it.

 

[137th Gebirg]

^^^ By that criteria, I honestly think that would make you a good leader, at least in your particular field of expertise.

 

[fireproof78]

I always prefer to address people by their title until I know otherwise. And even then it is weird to address the director of a program by their first name, even if that is their preference.

 

[Nyotarules]

I insist people call me by name which is 'Oh Fearless leader, Empress of Sol'.

 

[137th Gebirg]

I usually try to keep it to "ma'am" or "sir" until instructed otherwise. Of course, these days, even that's a mindfield now, so...