Prominent author and technology and society analyst Evgeny Morozov frequently offers insights into how concepts are viewed in scholarly and intellectual circles. In one of his observations, he emphasized the difficulty people encounter when putting forward novel or unusual concepts.
Imagine entering a packed room where everyone has preconceived notions and opinions. Some people may recognize your idea as revolutionary right away and label you a genius. Without giving your ideas much thought, others may dismiss them right away and call you a crank. This dichotomy stands for the delicate balance between being completely rejected or regarded as brilliant.
This conundrum is touched upon in Morozov's statement, which implies that a Ph.D. provides some protection against instant rejection even though it does not ensure acceptance. It may be more difficult for others to reject your ideas as foolish or misguided right away if you have a doctorate, which denotes a certain level of expertise and rigorous academic training.
This concept's metaphorical equivalent might be compared to an inventor showcasing their creation at a technology expo. Without credentials, people may be skeptical of the invention because they believe the person who came up with it is not technically knowledgeable. Wearing a badge that identifies them as a PhD engineer, however, lends credibility and lessens the likelihood that their invention will be rejected outright.
All things considered, Morozov's remark emphasizes the significance of academic credentials as social indicators that can affect how others perceive one's ideas. It also emphasizes how difficult it is to receive praise for creative thinking without being met with suspicion or outright rejection.