Acronym for Doctor of Philosophy; the highest academic degree awarded by universities, requiring original research and a dissertation. Represents mastery in a specific field of study.
From Latin 'Philosophiae Doctor' meaning 'Doctor of Philosophy.' 'Philosophy' derives from Greek 'philosophia' (love of wisdom). First awarded in medieval universities, originally all advanced learning was considered 'natural philosophy' regardless of subject matter.
Despite its name, most PhDs have nothing to do with philosophy as we know it - a chemistry PhD is still a 'Doctor of Philosophy' because medieval scholars considered all systematic study a branch of 'natural philosophy.' The degree represents not just knowledge but the ability to create new knowledge through original research.
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