Strange world, that has such people in it
From the Chronicle of Higher Education comes one of the strangest true-crime stories I've heard yet:
What's Up, Doc? German Law Bars American Ph.D.'s From Calling Themselves 'Doctor'
Apparently, a nazi-era law prohibits the use of the honorific unless your degree was awarded in Germany. (Or possibly the EU; media coverage varies) Fortunately, several of the scientists charged happen to be directors at a highly prestigious research institute there; as a result of political pressure and an enlightened modern perspective,
...state education ministers met last week and decided to allow holders of degrees from designated American universities to call themselves “Doctor.”
I'm told that our system of university education has its roots in germany, and I realize that nationalism has an amazing way of making idiots of people. Still, isn't this taking pride just a bit far?
What's Up, Doc? German Law Bars American Ph.D.'s From Calling Themselves 'Doctor'
Apparently, a nazi-era law prohibits the use of the honorific unless your degree was awarded in Germany. (Or possibly the EU; media coverage varies) Fortunately, several of the scientists charged happen to be directors at a highly prestigious research institute there; as a result of political pressure and an enlightened modern perspective,
...state education ministers met last week and decided to allow holders of degrees from designated American universities to call themselves “Doctor.”
I'm told that our system of university education has its roots in germany, and I realize that nationalism has an amazing way of making idiots of people. Still, isn't this taking pride just a bit far?