Dear Marjorie,
I believe I'm right in saying that medical doctors do not use 'Dr' in
signing learned publications. And since I've moved to England, I've found it
perfectly normal -- even demanded -- that non-medical PhDs be addressed as
'Doctor'. As well, surgeons here -- even though they are of course medical
doctors -- always call themselves 'Mr'/'Mrs', and never 'Dr'.
Titles are essentially in the eyes of their beholders and their holders; but
in the dialectic that is scholarly bibliography and discussion, I would
argue for avoiding the use of any title.
Having said that, I myself make one exception: in writing and in discussion
(although not in bibliography), I cannot ever refer to Pere Louis-Jacques
Bataillon as 'Bataillon' or 'Louis' (even though he calls himself 'Louis').
I find myself using only 'Pere Bataillon'. But this exception, founded on my
deep scholarly respect and personal admiration for the man, further serves
to prove my rule. I hope.
George the Inconsistent
PS: I think Christopher really did know what O.P. stands for in the context
under discussion.
-----Original Message-----
From: Marjorie Greene
To: [log in to unmask]
Sent: 1/22/2001 11:10 AM
Subject: Re: [Pere, Dom, Fr. OP SJ etc { was Theologians and Art]
Two random - and disconnected - thoughts:
It's considered a breach of etiquette not to address
medical drs. as Dr. So&so, but Phd's are considered
arrogant or some such for calling themselves same. Who
made up that rule? I wonder how drs. sign articles in
medical journals.
Since Christopher thought OP was "out of print," he
may not know that the letters stand for Order of
Preachers, i.e. Dominicans.
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