All, A few ‘off the cuff thoughts’ on the ‘granting’ of a ‘higher’ degree. … It seems that ‘potential,’ research interests of the advisor, professional gate-keeping and institutional branding are significant. One can’t and isn’t intended to ‘learn it all’ as a student.* The student learns the framework, ‘essentials’ and ‘tools for further exploration.’ Much of ‘being a scholar’ and the intricacies of professional life are learned ‘in practice in the guild.’ Sidebar: I think a basic education/communication class or 2 should be a pre-requisite or educational requirement for all receiving higher degrees or a higher criteria for scholars hired to teach ;-)

Not refined … ‘off the cuff’ … welcome thoughts/revisions …

*Note: this is where professional education, such as provided for health care practitioners depart from many other ‘higher degrees.’