The real test of a Ph.D. is how many peer-reviewed papers one would have published from his/her Ph.D. and the number of papers published in the following years. Otherwise, being awarded a Ph.D.is just a matter of a “hobby”.

[Daphne – I agree with you 100%. The way it’s being done now is ‘let me tick that box off my list.’]

I think the PhD in question “is” one of his greatest achievements during his time as an MP and, therefore, well within context. As for your inference that Daphne’s response (umm..spot on) is indicative of any inferiority complex, wow, that is…baffling, and would rather say you’re not keeping up with the times. And let’s not go for the toss-up, please?

My first reaction is that Brian*14’s remark is out of context. Nevertheless, Daphne, your response is enlightening.

It indicates that you have a puerile knowledge of the reasons for which an individual reads for a doctorate. In addition, describing reading for a Ph.D by someone who is 50+ as a hobby is an insult to any reader. [Daphne – If it’s not a hobby, what is it then? A career move? At 53? Oh, please.]

Now for the fun part, reading between the lines, I would almost conjecture that your response is an indication of a subconscious inferiority complex. [Daphne – On the contrary, the ones with an inferiority complex are those who are trying so damn hard to prove themselves. In a toss-up between Joseph Muscat and me, as to who is the more intelligent, I have no doubt who would win. The difference between Muscat and me is that I don’t feel the need to prove myself.]

If you have evidence that someone did not do his own reseach or write his doctoral thesis, I suggest you contact the University that awarded the degree and inform them accordingly. What you are insinuating, is a very serious breach of research degree regulations and is not considered lightly in the academic world. In such circumstances, you either keep your own private opinion to yourself and not write about it at all, or else take action and report it. [Daphne – Oh, I am keeping it to myself.]

His PhD – so that he may be irritating and smug?

[Daphne – Yes. The lower you are on the social ladder, the keener you are on achieving ‘certificates’. This does not include, of course, those who are genuinely motivated by academic curiosity and the drive to research, or by the desire to have more to contribute in the world of work. I think that everybody who is capable of getting a first degree should do so, if only because it is very useful training for the mind, and good discipline. But when it is taken to the level of a competitive sport, or ‘if he’s got a PhD then I’m going to get one too’ then it’s a whole other kettle of fish. You have to ask yourself what the point of the exercise could possibly be. For example, Marlene Mizzi, in her campaign literature, tells us that she is reading for a doctorate. I find her very admirable in a variety of ways, and I love her gumption, but I must ask: when you are in your 50s, and have a whole career behind you, what in God’s name for? There are more profitable and rewarding ways to spend one’s time. At that stage in life, working towards a doctorate is a hobby and not a career move. Labour’s up-and-coming people are all competing with each for ‘dikris’. Also, I have my own private opinion as to who researched and wrote that doctoral thesis, which I am keeping to myself. All the evidence shows that while Muscat is street-smart, he is not intellectually competent.]

….than he told us that il-partnership rebah.

[Daphne – Ah, but after thinking about if for six years, he’s come to the conclusion that PERHAPS the Yes vote won the referendum. And people vest this man with credibility. Unbelievable. Like I always say, our standards and level of expectations are much, much higher for the Nationalists than they are for Labour. Imagine if Muscat were leader of the Nationalist Party. But then that would never happen, would it?]