Re: Oracle 10G
Off-topic discussion, headed Oracle 10G, about whether degrees outside computer science, such as English Literature, show intellectual capacity. Neil Truby argued they do. Fernando Nunes distinguished science and humanities degrees, and Daniel Morgan agreed but said the market ranks degrees. No Informix content.
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"Daniel Morgan" <damorgan@x.washington.edu> wrote in message news:1078772491.377691@yasure... > Neil Truby wrote: > > > Just in case anyone is reading, I meant to write: " ...even if a graduate > > is required a degree in maths, physics (such as I have) or even an arts > > subject will *often* be acceptable." > > Correct. Especially math, physics, chemistry, and similar degress that > demonstrate mental horsepower and a willingness to invest effort into > intellectual challenges. Does a degree in, say, English Literature not demonstrate "mental horsepower and a willingness to invest effort into intellectual challenges" then? Actually, this is a somewhat rhetorical question. The answer (in my opinion) is that it does. I think that a good degree in a subject with academic rigour (ie not "media studies") demonstrates at least the potential of strong capacity of thought and analysis skills. For this reason I find the apparent obsession in the US with degrees in computer science and only computer science unnecessarily restrictive and short-sighted.
> Does a degree in, say, English Literature not demonstrate "mental horsepower > and a willingness to invest effort into intellectual challenges" then? > > Actually, this is a somewhat rhetorical question. The answer (in my > opinion) is that it does. I think that a good degree in a subject with > academic rigour (ie not "media studies") demonstrates at least the potential > of strong capacity of thought and analysis skills. For this reason I find > the apparent obsession in the US with degrees in computer science and only > computer science unnecessarily restrictive and short-sighted. It is academic, but it's better than SPAM ;) I would separate science degrees and humanistic degrees. Not in the sense that one is better, but I believe it can give you an hint on the orientation of one's mind. 2 cents (or less) Regards.
Neil Truby wrote: >>>is required a degree in maths, physics (such as I have) or even an arts >>>subject will *often* be acceptable." >> >>Correct. Especially math, physics, chemistry, and similar degress that >>demonstrate mental horsepower and a willingness to invest effort into >>intellectual challenges. > > > Does a degree in, say, English Literature not demonstrate "mental horsepower > and a willingness to invest effort into intellectual challenges" then? > > Actually, this is a somewhat rhetorical question. The answer (in my > opinion) is that it does. I think that a good degree in a subject with > academic rigour (ie not "media studies") demonstrates at least the potential > of strong capacity of thought and analysis skills. For this reason I find > the apparent obsession in the US with degrees in computer science and only > computer science unnecessarily restrictive and short-sighted. I agree with you. But I think the marketplace does tend to create a heirarchy of value none-the-less. Reminds me of why I asked an advisor about going for a Masters or PhD. The answer ... a Masters indiates you didn't have what it takes to get a PhD so just go straight for the PhD. A preposterous prejudice ... but a real prejudice too. Often the difference between the degrees is one of finances not ability. -- Daniel Morgan http://www.outreach.washington.edu/ext/certificates/oad/oad_crs.asp http://www.outreach.washington.edu/ext/certificates/aoa/aoa_crs.asp damorgan@x.washington.edu (replace 'x' with a 'u' to reply)
Daniel Morgan wrote: > Neil Truby wrote: > >>>>is required a degree in maths, physics (such as I have) or even an arts >>>>subject will *often* be acceptable." >>> >>>Correct. Especially math, physics, chemistry, and similar degress that >>>demonstrate mental horsepower and a willingness to invest effort into >>>intellectual challenges. >> >> >> Does a degree in, say, English Literature not demonstrate "mental >> horsepower and a willingness to invest effort into intellectual >> challenges" then? >> >> Actually, this is a somewhat rhetorical question. The answer (in my >> opinion) is that it does. I think that a good degree in a subject with >> academic rigour (ie not "media studies") demonstrates at least the >> potential >> of strong capacity of thought and analysis skills. For this reason I >> find the apparent obsession in the US with degrees in computer science >> and only computer science unnecessarily restrictive and short-sighted. > > I agree with you. But I think the marketplace does tend to create > a heirarchy of value none-the-less. No, definitely not spelling. > Reminds me of why I asked an advisor about going for a Masters or PhD. > The answer ... a Masters indiates you didn't have what it takes to get a > PhD so just go straight for the PhD. > > A preposterous prejudice ... but a real prejudice too. Often the > difference between the degrees is one of finances not ability. -- "C'est pas parce qu'on n'a rien ' dire qu'il faut fermer sa gueule" - Coluche