Marginal Revolution considers the case for honorary doctorates.
Without thinking about it too much I had always assumed it was for mostly political reasons, to have a prestigious academic associated with their institution is a clear incentive for the university. MR hit the same problem as I did - why do people accept them?
…there is a saturation limit. I’ve started to turn down about half of the honorary degree invitations. I feel badly about it, but each one takes at least three days, including travel, and I am starting to feel anxious about the few years I have left to accomplish things that I want to do.
2 years ago
