Date: Tue, 10 Jun 2008 05:54:17 -0700 (PDT) From: Carvalho <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > Of the many useless discussions I have come across on Goanet and great many I have participated in, among which can be listed: > this one Doctor v/s Doctorate has to be the most superfluous. > Any person with a dint of hard-work and a sliver of intellectual curiosity can acquire knowledge is a specific field. I for instance know a good deal about European history, especially surrounding the Church, only because I have read up on it, not because I have a degree in it. > Mario observes: > Selmabai, > I am quite prepared to concede that by dint of hard work and your "sliver" of intellectual curiosity you have been able to acquire knowledge in a specific field. However, the difference is that those who are allowed by society at large to call themselves Doctors - whether of medicine or some other philosophy - have had the depth and breadth of their knowledge thoroughly tested until there is little doubt of their specific expertise - assuming, of course, they have been credentialed by a reputable center of learning and not some faux operation. We don't just have their own word for their level of work or intellectual curiosity or knowledge. > Now, if you would take the trouble to have your knowledge of European history, especially surrounding the Church, tested and verified by a reputable academic institution, to the same level as a person who has EARNED a Ph.D. we would be glad to call you Dr. Selma. > Selma wrote: > I have read a great many posts from non-titled writers on Goanet, written with the utmost sensitivity, insight and intelligence. On the other hand I have read a great many posts from Doctors on Goanet, which are nothing but utter balderdash. > Mario observes: > True enough. However, I'm sure you have also read a great many posts by titled writers on Goanet, written with the utmost sensitivity, insight and intelligence, as well as a great many posts from non-titled writers which are nothing but utter balderdash. > I believe we all need to be less capricious and arbitrary and more discriminating. For example, if my health were at stake, I would differ to the practicing physicians and surgeons on related health matters. If I needed to some specific information I would gladly consult Rajan Parrikar in Electrical engineering, Santosh Helekar in Neuroscience, Carmo D'Cruz, still licking his wounds after showing us all he knows bubkis about hockey, in electronics and semiconductors, etc. etc, etc. > Outside their specific expertise, as they have demonstrated time and time again, they are just as knowledgeable or not, wise or not, possessing common sense or not, about an issue, as the rest of us. >
