It is when we move outside the confines of doctor’s offices and hospitals that the term “Doctor” becomes elusive and speaks to a broader issue regarding the role played by different kinds of knowledge (epistemology) and the application of knowledge to challenging issues in our society (physical and human technology). At a cocktail party, do we introduce our colleague as “Dr. Smith”? This seems inappropriate unless the party is specifically for members of a medical-related profession. What about at a Philosophy convention. Is “Dr. Smith” the proper way to introduce our colleague who chairs a Department of Philosophy at a local college? It is all a bit “tricky.”
We would suggest that it is tricky because the term “Doctor” resides in two different world: the sacred and profane. In the sacred world, “Doctor” is to be assigned frequently, for achievements and obligations are always appropriate to acknowledge in this world. Conversely, achievement and obligations are usually not considered appropriate for casual conversations in the secular world. Just as we don’t converse at a cocktail party about how much money we made last year or when we last had sex, so we don’t declare our solemn obligation to serve humankind or show everyone our doctoral diploma (or wear our doctoral graduation regalia!) It is in the intertwining of the secular and sacred that we find the unique power and tensions inherent in the term “Doctor.”
Doctor as Sacred
The term “Doctor” signifies the highest level of educational Achievement. The title is only granted after years of rigorous study, research and commitment. The title bestows prestigious honor on someone, for they have demonstrated intellectual proficiency through the completion of the highest level of education in their field. All of this honoring of educational achievement is saturated with the Sacred. Academic institutions with Ivy-covered walls, wooded grounds, colorful robes, commencement ceremonies, and graduation ceremonies are filled with Eliade’s hierophanies. The Sacred is manifested everywhere in these esteemed (and in their own way) cloistered institutions.
Professional responsibilities of a sacred nature accompany the awarding of a “Doctor” degree. Especially in a medical setting, the title represents a significant responsibility for the health and well-being of patients. There are also the sacred responsibilities that comes with the role played by a “Doctor” as guardian of the “Truth.” The title of “Doctor” signifies high levels of expertise and knowledge in a specific field. In academia and research, the opinions and findings of those with a doctoral title bear significant weight due to their credibility and recognition. Whether receiving a doctorate as a physician or as a teacher of zoology, one is expected to operate in a thoughtful, reflective, and critical manner when ascertaining what is true and what is untrue.
Something more is placed on the shoulders of someone with a doctorate. A sacred trust is bestowed on this person. A “Doctor” not only becomes an expert. in this role, a “Doctor” is expected to be ethical and unbiased. Crises of expertise accompany widespread distrust for the competence and integrity of those people who hold the title of “Doctor” (Weitz and Bergquist, 2024).
