Should I Go By "Doctor"?

[buddhist]

It's related to the OP to the extent that "doctor" is a term of respect, and the amount of respect due to the institution and the program of study of the person holding the doctorate degree.

In an extreme example, take Kent Hovind's PhD: I've read his dissertation. IMO, he has no business calling himself a doctor of anything. This is despite him holding a PhD from Patriot Bible University.

Now... I don't tar all unaccredited schools with the same brush as Patriot Bible University, but I do reserve judgement on the respect due to a person's degree until I know what sort of program they had to complete to get it. I wouldn't call someone a doctor if I don't think their degree passes muster, even if they have a framed piece of paper with "Doctor of Philosophy" or "Doctor of Theology" on it.

Absolutely - as individuals not part of Kent Hovind's organization which awarded him his Ph.D., we are not obligated to call him "Doctor". You and I would choose on our own to recognize him as such - or not.

In the same way, if someone earns a "M.D." from a school, it does not automatically mean that I must recognize him as "Doctor" either. I am outside his organization, and it's my choice to recognize him as such - or not.

 

[9-10ths_Penguin]

In the same way, if someone earns a "M.D." from a school, it does not automatically mean that I must recognize him as "Doctor" either. I am outside his organization, and it's my choice to recognize him as such - or not.

Depends on the context. A medical degree is necessary but not sufficient to be a medical doctor; someone who got his MD but never bothered to become licensed wouldn't be entitled to hold himself out as a medical doctor. Same with a doctor who has had his license revoked.

... but a licensed medical doctor really is a doctor regardless of your opinion.

In other fields without set qualifications, it's more of a judgement call.

 

[buddhist]

Depends on the context. A medical degree is necessary but not sufficient to be a medical doctor; someone who got his MD but never bothered to become licensed wouldn't be entitled to hold himself out as a medical doctor. Same with a doctor who has had his license revoked.

... but a licensed medical doctor really is a doctor regardless of your opinion.

In other fields without set qualifications, it's more of a judgement call.

A "medical doctor" is a "medical doctor" among those who recognize or are required to recognize his or her degree. I might not.