Who are the 'Philosophers' anyway?

[Howard C. Berkowitz]

That would mean that one might be (a) a philosopher, (b) an instructor of philosophy, (c) a writer of philosophy, etc.  Is that the distinction that is being drawn?

Can you be a phiolosopher without a formal training.  I would think so. i think its more about what you say and do than your qualifications. Should any person with a phiolosophy degree be considered a phiolosopher? Perhaps, at least in a descriptive way to describe their education.  I guess its all context at the end of the day.

Was Eric Hoffer a philosopher?

For that matter, "Sorry, Mr. Socrates and Bishop Augustine. No doctorate from an approved university. Your ghost cannot be an Editor.  You too, Dr. Aquinas; angelic doctorates are not on our list of recognized terminal degrees." 

[Aleta Curry]

In another thread of this forum ("Where is everyone?"), Aleta Curry referred to:
     "non-serious scholars"?, students, newbiews, people with experience but not professional credentials

She did? Was she trying to be funny?

Welcome aboard, Troy!

[Troy Williamson]

Certainly, in the context of the other conversation, it *could* be that the comment was not "serious"--maybe there was a bit of tongue-in-cheek involved.  In relation to the current discussion, though, it seemed appropos to include the idea--because the question involves the realm of philosophy.

So I certainly wasn't trying to twist words ... it seemed to connect.

And thank you for the welcome! :-)  Good to be here.