That’s a provocative question. There are many reasons why you might trust or distrust a person with a PhD, depending on the context and the person. But here are some possible arguments for why you should never trust a person with a PhD:
A PhD is not a guarantee of competence, accuracy, or honesty. Some PhD holders may lack the skills, knowledge, or experience to do their jobs well, or they may present their research findings in a biased or misleading way. They may also have conflicts of interest with industry or other stakeholders that affect their integrity.
- A PhD is not a sign of wisdom, humility, or curiosity. Some PhD holders may be arrogant, dogmatic, or closed-minded, and they may dismiss or ignore other perspectives or sources of information. They may also be resistant to criticism or feedback, and unwilling to admit their mistakes or learn from them.
- A PhD is not a measure of character, morality, or ethics. Some PhD holders may be selfish, greedy, or dishonest, and they may use their credentials to manipulate, exploit, or harm others. They may also be involved in academic misconduct, such as plagiarism, fabrication, or falsification of data.
Of course, these arguments are not meant to be taken seriously, and they do not apply to all PhD holders. There are many PhD holders who are competent, trustworthy, humble, curious, and ethical, and who make valuable contributions to society. But it is important to remember that a PhD is not a magic badge that automatically grants authority, credibility, or respect. You should always evaluate a person’s claims and actions based on evidence, logic, and common sense, regardless of their degree. 😊
