[NT] Degree = intelligence?

[funkadelik]

Just curious about how everyone here in the NT section views the importance of a university education.

So...if you met someone who hasn't gotten a university degree by, say, age 40 would you think less of them? Would there be a moment where you might consider them to be less intelligent regardless of whether this was the truth or not?

What does a university education mean to you when it comes to your own worth or the worth of another individual?

 

[Coriolis]

It would depend upon what else they have done with their life. If there evidence of ongoing learning and personal growth, I would not automatically consider them to be less intelligent for not having a university degree. There are many ways to develop and make use of one's intelligence.

 

[Octarine]

So...if you met someone who hasn't gotten a university degree by, say, age 40 would you think less of them?

On a base level I would not think less of them.
But for those who were not able to pursue their dreams because they needed a degree and never got one, well..

 

[Dr Mobius]

I’ve always thought good a real world measure of intelligence is how someone deals with the obstacles that block their dreams, the scope of understanding the problem, and the speed with which they come to these understanding and possible solutions. So no I wouldn’t instantly dismiss anyone for that. But I’m also not particularly known for asking 40 year olds whether they have degrees or not, so limited experience and all that

 

[Within]

I’ve always thought good a real world measure of intelligence is how someone deals with the obstacles that block their dreams, the scope of understanding the problem, and the speed with which they come to these understanding and possible solutions.

QFT. Education is important and all should strive for it, does not however serve as a measurement tool of ones intellect. Merely points out ones priorities which reflects on how much I would come to respect/admire someone. So yes, it would have an impact on me.

 

[Lucas]

Not really. My father only finished his bachelors at 40, and he just recently got a PHD at 62. If there is evidence of desire and pursuit of learning, then it doesn't really matter whether you were formally educated.

 

[Xenon]

There are a number of reasons I might consider someone intelligent. Having completed a higher or fairly difficult degree is one of them. I also respect people who are wise and insightful and have interesting things to say, degree or no degree. Formal education is hardly the only way you can acquire these traits. There are also plenty of people who get a degree just to enter a certain field, or just because they are expected to, and have no real interest in pursuing knowledge or exploring ideas aside from that. I do have a university degree, but I've also done plenty of learning and thinking outside of my time in school.

So, generally higher education is something I respect...but it's far from the only reason I'd respect someone's intellect.

 

[jimrckhnd]

Just curious about how everyone here in the NT section views the importance of a university education.

So...if you met someone who hasn't gotten a university degree by, say, age 40 would you think less of them? Would there be a moment where you might consider them to be less intelligent regardless of whether this was the truth or not?

What does a university education mean to you when it comes to your own worth or the worth of another individual?

There is alot of variables with this question. I know some people who don't have degrees and I don't think less of them. They have a chosen profession that doesn't require one and demonstrate a high level of competency in that profession and are otherwise demonstrably intelligent, well read, and thoughtful. On the other hand there are some people who don't whom I DO think less of - they typically should have a degree but don't have the persistence or the simple appetite for the work involved (your basic slacker).

My regard for education is very high and all things being equal (though they rarely are) I would generally speaking regard somebody more highly if they did have a degree. But that is a very general principal and there are many exceptions.

 

[funkadelik]

On a base level I would not think less of them.
But for those who were not able to pursue their dreams because they needed a degree and never got one, well..

I’ve always thought good a real world measure of intelligence is how someone deals with the obstacles that block their dreams

How about if you came across someone who gave up their dreams for an education? Would the same line of thinking apply?

Clarification: I'm not insinuating anything of your responses, just asking a question spurred on by them.

 

[uncommonentity]

No.

What does a university education mean to you when it comes to your own worth or the worth of another individual?

Nada.
Street smarts > Book smarts.
Nothing beats simple common sense.

 

[Haight]

Not having a degree tells me more about a person than if they have a degree. Of course, the information that gives me is generally negative.

And yes, I think less of them and I don't really associate with people that don't have degrees. Except you guys, obviously.

 

[jimrckhnd]

No.

Nada.
Street smarts > Book smarts.
Nothing beats simple common sense.

Hmm... I do hope you don't plan on picking a heart surgeon on that basis. Of course there is the implication that if you are book smart you can't be street smart. I'd suggest that the former does not in anyway preclude the later.


"When someone says "I'm not book smart, I'm street smart." All I hear is "I'm not real smart, I'm imaginary smart."

 

[prplchknz]

I'm stupid, what you think of me? NTs

 

[ThatGirl]

Not having a degree tells me more about a person than if they have a degree. Of course, the information that gives me is generally negative.

And yes, I think less of them and I don't really associate with people that don't have degrees. Except you guys, obviously.

I can't tell if you're serious.



To answer the op, I have known dumb people who got dumb degrees, in order to obtain dumb careers, that put them back to square one in deciding the course of their lives.

 

[uncommonentity]

Hmm... I do hope you don't plan on picking a heart surgeon on that basis. Of course there is the implication that if you are book smart you can't be street smart. I'd suggest that the former does not in anyway preclude the later.


"When someone says "I'm not book smart, I'm street smart." All I hear is "I'm not real smart, I'm imaginary smart."

I understand your viewpoint here but to me what's the point in knowing everything and being qualified in everything if you lack the sense to put it to use. I value uneducated home owners higher than educated bums. I know plenty 'real smart' people who suck at life and 'imaginary smart' mansion owners. Each to their own.

I'm sure there have been a couple of shitty heart surgeons too.

The post below me VV sums up my thoughts on the issue.

 

[5231311252]

Degrees are overpriced pieces of toilet tissue. Yes education is important, but it is not necessarily how one gets the education, but that they get it and use it to it's fullest potential.

So...if you met someone who hasn't gotten a university degree by, say, age 40 would you think less of them? Would there be a moment where you might consider them to be less intelligent regardless of whether this was the truth or not?

Nope.

What does a university education mean to you when it comes to your own worth or the worth of another individual?

Nothing. I attend university solely because my chances of getting the income I want are greatly increased; I learn more on my own than I do in class.

 

[jimrckhnd]

Degrees are overpriced pieces of toilet tissue. Yes education is important, but it is not nesaccarily how one got that education, but that they got it and are using it to it's fullest potential.

If that is the case isn't more accurate to say that degrees can be overpriced pieces of toilet tissue? If one has one and one is using it "to it's fullest potential" it is hardly toilet tissue and as to overpriced? To be sure that would depend on both the price and its potential but clearly as you get more out of it, the more valuable it becomes and the higher price one might be willing to pay for it.

Now one can have a practical education or even a bundle of misc. university credits and possibly use that to its fulleset potential. However, there is an aspect to an actual credentile that can not be overlooked - its the demonstrated ability to manage one's time, do that which one may not be all that enthusiastic about and actually complete a project.

 

[Jonny]

Degree level, Average IQ

MD or PhD, 125
Undergrad, 115
1-3 yrs college, 105-110
High school, 100
1-3 yrs high schoo,l 95
Elementary school grad, 90
Elementary dropout, 80-85

Per wikipedia. You can decide whether or not IQ is a good enough measure of 'intelligence.' While a degree does not necessarily equate to intelligence, there seems to be a correlation.

 

[You]

I ask, have you ever been in a college class? There are a bunch of idiots in those tuition-ed rooms. Me included. A degree doesn't tell me anything more than you have endurance. For all I know, you cheated those four or so years - or worse, barely passed trying your best. Now, keep this within reason, because I'm talking about a Bachelors degree. The American education system weeds out bums at a certain point, whether financially or mentally, and PhD are telling. But have you ever had a dentist who ruined your teeth? Yeah, exactly.

 

[5231311252]

If that is the case isn't more accurate to say that degrees can be overpriced pieces of toilet tissue? If one has one and one is using it "to it's fullest potential" it is hardly toilet tissue and as to overpriced? To be sure that would depend on both the price and its potential but clearly as you get more out of it, the more valuable it becomes and the higher price one might be willing to pay for it.

No, because this is a subjective question. If I'd been answering objectively, then it could be said that degrees can be overpriced.

However, there is an aspect to an actual credentile that can not be overlooked - its the demonstrated ability to manage one's time, do that which one may not be all that enthusiastic about and actually complete a project.

Maybe for yourself it cannot be overlooked, but as I quite clearly stated in the above, it (concerning myself) can and is overlooked.

A degree doesn't tell me anything more than you have endurance. For all I know, you cheated those four or so years - or worse, barely passed trying your best. Now, keep this within reason, because I'm talking about a Bachelors degree. The American education system weeds out bums at a certain point, whether financially or mentally, and PhD are telling. But have you ever had a dentist who ruined your teeth? Yeah, exactly.

This, which is pretty useless in my mind and lets not forget the doctors who have severely botched surgeries. Going off that, anyone remember the doctor who faked his credentials and got away with actually practicing medicine?