All the bios I've read on Gordon Brown say that he has a PhD from Edinburgh however this is never mentioned and he's never called Dr Brown in the media. Is this something odd about Edinburgh PhDs or is he just very modest? Liam Fox, John Reid et al all seem to be given the title, and so was Jack Cunningham who I believe also had a PhD from Durham.
2007-01-06 10:57:27 · 9 answers · asked by dmsreg 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Other - Politics & Government
It's pretentious to call yourself, and to encourage others to call you, Dr. on the basis of a Ph.D., except perhaps in academic circles.
I have a Ph.D. So what? If I'm so smart why ain't I rich?
And as for Gordon Brown, if he's so smart why is the country faced with more and more stealth taxes?
2007-01-06 11:07:49 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Using titles went out of politics in the 60's and when Labour started to make a big impact. No big figures use Dr or Lord anymore as people dont trust these titles. Too much of a throwback to Victorian times.
2007-01-06 21:20:50 · answer #2 · answered by Northern Spriggan 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Maybe he prefers being called plain Mr to keep things simple for Joe Public... some of who still think of the title of Dr as a pillar of society... and aren't labourites supposed to be politicians of the people.. for the ordinary people?
The fact he is a well educated man just proves that the education of yesteryear was far far better than the education of today !
2007-01-06 19:04:53 · answer #3 · answered by Hello 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is solely due to the British loathing for pretentiousness.
While academic achievement may qualify people to assume the title of 'Dr'...it is generally assumed that people who do so are seeking to associate themselves with people who are much more important than them and are therefore inadequate and childish.
Jack Cunningham was a medical doctor and was therefore beyond reproach for claiming his rightful title...Liam Fox is a loathsome reptile and is therefore exposed to the world for what he really is.
Hope this helps.
2007-01-06 19:05:24 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
I always thought it was a bit affected for PhD's to call themselves Doctor, but then several people in my family have them, make a point to call themselves Dr. and I think they are affected. I have a JD and one once suggested I call myself 'Dr.' too, which is simply silly.
Maybe he didn't want to seem silly.
Maybe he thinks Dr. refers to chancre mechanics and thinks he is above all that.
Who knows?
2007-01-06 22:53:54 · answer #5 · answered by DAR 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well I've got a PhD in alcohol consumption, and like to call myself 'Dr.Piss'
2007-01-07 04:41:48 · answer #6 · answered by papa.rumbo 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Calling him 'Doctor' makes him sound even more like a Concentration Camp Nazi Bas tard
2007-01-06 19:42:41 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Why would you want to read up on this Tax grabbing freak? - you must be hard up for something to do.
2007-01-08 16:40:16 · answer #8 · answered by ? 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, it's better than calling himself a money grabbing b*stard which he is!
2007-01-06 19:07:58 · answer #9 · answered by slıɐuǝoʇ 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋