‘A degree is not a title’ – a response

Reference the above-captioned letter in The Island of 16 Decembe, its writer, Philosophiae Doctor (PD), he is incorrect in his analysis of a Ph. D degree as a title. As Dr. Upul Wijewardena has said, only a Ph. D holder who can use the title ‘Dr’. However, the tradition is for those who have a medical degree to be called Dr. PD has written about the history of universities and quoted chapter and verse about the origin of degrees. We are now in the twenty first century and most universities have their own system of awarding Ph. Ds. For instance, British universities award Ph. Ds based on 100 per cent research whereas in American universities Ph. D degrees are awarded on the basis of 50 per cent research and 50 per cent course work. The research degree is given more weight at interviews.

PD has also said that a Masters’ Degree (MA) is essential to teach in a university.  Many universities including universities in Sri Lanka offer Assistant Lecturer positions to those who have first degrees with classes. Some time ago, the Dean of the faculty of Arts at Otago university, New Zealand had only a B.A. He was appointed Professor because of his publications. In American universities lecturers with a Ph. D are addressed as Assistant Professor. Then a Professor after retirement has to get permission from his university to use the title as Professor (Emeritus). There is no such requirement for a person with a Ph. D to use the title Dr.  Modern universities do not follow procedures that were adopted in old Europe mentioned by PD.

Dr. P. A. Samaraweera