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gwern comments on [FICTION] Hamlet and the Philosopher's Stone - Less Wrong
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Comments (60)
Thanks for the many notes.
European academics in Shakespeare's day were debating the legitimacy of the Philosophiae Doctor degree (e.g. the 1571 Oratio de doctoratu Philosophico). It was apparently an important point because in Catholic countries, a Doctor had the legal right to not be tortured, while a Master did not. The first doctorates are said to have been awarded by the University of Paris in the 12th century, at the same time the original Hamlet was first written down. I can't find the earliest use of the abbreviation PhD, but Reynaldo has a motive to choose that particular abbreviation.
Archaic "corpse."
Ah; I did not know that about the PhD. Maybe a clearer insult then from Claudius, or omit the PhD from the dramatis personae in favor of Philosophiae Doctor?
What I'd do: Use the phrase "Philosophiae Doctor" right up until the reveal.
I second this.
That might work too. Incidentally, good timing - I was pondering how to ping you to ensure that this was mentioned in the next Author's note and perhaps directly in the original chapter. Guess I don't have to, now...