Can those outside of science credibly speak about science?

I'd say it would depend on the university you're at, and the supervisor you're under.I'm in my masters right now, and i'm pretty independent, and have done and am going to be doing, all the things you listed for a PHd. Of course, i have a supervisor with high expectations While having lunch one day, this subject did come up in the tea room, and i posed the question, to a retired professor. He said that the main difference is that a Phd's research aim, and possibly, findings are expected to be original; something that has never been done or found before.This message has been edited by U can call me Cookie, 03-03-2006 09:14 AM

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"The good Christian should beware the mathematician and all those who make empty prophecies. The danger already exists that the mathematicians have made a covenant with the devil to darken the spirit and to confine man in the bonds of hell." - St. Augustine