Doctorate does not mean Doctor

[Nealithi]

https://www.msn.com/en-us/video/peoplea ... d=msedgntp

So this popped up and I did a brief Google search. This is being tossed as sexist this time. But what do you all think? Someone puts in the time and effort to get a doctorate but not in medicine, do they or don't they deserve the title?

[Beelzquill]

They deserve the title. If I remember correctly, a doctorate actually originated with the catholic church and comes from the latin word "Docere" which literally means "to teach". So if anything it's the medical doctorates who have less right to use the word.

[TGLS]

I'll admit I'm too lazy to go pay/sign up for the whole op-ed. If I understand correctly, the basic point of critique is that getting a Doctorate is way easier than it used to be, apparently as part of university getting easier for some reason. Here's the relevant block if I recall:

Getting a doctorate was then an arduous proceeding: One had to pass examinations in two foreign languages, one of them Greek or Latin, defend one’s thesis, and take an oral examination on general knowledge in one’s field. At Columbia University of an earlier day, a secretary sat outside the room where these examinations were administered, a pitcher of water and a glass on her desk. The water and glass were there for the candidates who fainted. A far cry, this, from the few doctoral examinations I sat in on during my teaching days, where candidates and teachers addressed one another by first names and the general atmosphere more resembled a kaffeeklatsch. Dr. Jill, I note you acquired your Ed.D. as recently as 15 years ago at age 55, or long after the terror had departed.

Anyway, my view is this:
-> If writing an article, do what your style-guide says. Mention the doctorate if their expertise is important.
-> Mention your doctorate when your expertise relevant. If you want it on your letterhead, fine. Don't go around insisting people call you doctor in conversation.
-> Never mention your doctorate when talking about medical matters, unless you're an M.D.
-> Never have it put on your boarding pass, or you might be called upon.

[Draco Dracul]

If you have earned a doctorate you're entitled to the title of doctor.

[J!!]

[Makeshift Python]

What is it with decrypt old men being upset over something becoming more easily accessible over time??

"Back in my day you could only afford ONE television set!"

[Madner Kami]

So a doctor's degree is on the same level as a TV-set for you? I'd rather prefer if academic titles actually are worth a damn, instead of being just another must-have gatekeeper for an endless checklist of qualifition-requirements for even the lowest jobs on the ladder, as it's increasingly becoming even here in Germany.
As for Epstein? He's a moron.

[BridgeConsoleMasher]

They deserve the title. If I remember correctly, a doctorate actually originated with the catholic church and comes from the latin word "Docere" which literally means "to teach". So if anything it's the medical doctorates who have less right to use the word.

Doctor to me has always insinuated someone qualified to operate; though as of now I think the actual use for medical practitioners refers to their ability to consult patients about their health.

[Makeshift Python]

So a doctor's degree is on the same level as a TV-set for you?

Of course!

[Draco Dracul]

They deserve the title. If I remember correctly, a doctorate actually originated with the catholic church and comes from the latin word "Docere" which literally means "to teach". So if anything it's the medical doctorates who have less right to use the word.

Doctor to me has always insinuated someone qualified to operate; though as of now I think the actual use for medical practitioners refers to their ability to consult patients about their health.

Ironically, the need to have a doctorate to be a surgeon is probably over qualification, at least for general surgery.