Professor of nothing

{{logic}}
[[File:Professor McGonagall, Harry Potter, Severus Snape (5134038581).jpg|thumb|right|200px|Professor McGonagall (transfiguration), Harry Potter, Severus Snape (professor of potions)]]

A '''professor of nothing''' is a [[logical fallacy|fallacy]] that occurs when a source is introduced as a "Professor" or "Doctor" or similar (and thus authoritative), yet either they are ''not'' a professor or doctor ''or'' their [[Ultracrepidarianism|field of expertise is ''not'' the topic at hand]].

The fallacy is an [[argument from authority]] and thus a [[conditional fallacy]].

==Form==
{{syl
|2=''Prof.'' '''X''' supports '''Y'''.
|4=(''[[Enthymeme|unstated]] and [[Argument by assertion|unproven]]'') '''X''' is authoritative about '''Y'''.
|5=C|6='''Y''' is true.
}}

==Examples==
<ul><li>The vast majority of the "positive" reviews of [[Michael Cremo]]'s ''Forbidden Archeology: The Hidden History of the Human Race'' are introduced as "Dr."<ref>[http://www.sciencereligionbooks.com/farevs.html Reviews/Comments]</ref> yet are not qualified to speak authoritatively on [[archaeology]].</li>

<li>[[Young Earth creationism|Young Earth creationist]] [[Ian Juby]] has also occasionally been introduced as "Professor Juby", at least by [[Carl Baugh]],<ref>See for instance [[Potholer54]]'s YT video [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pzoI0_IBpS4 nominating Juby for the 2011 Golden Crocoduck]. Calling Juby "Professor" might be a mistake by Baugh who is such an awfully incompetent [[apologist]]/creationist that [[Ken Ham]](!) has warned his followers not to rely on Baugh's [[BS]]. However, Juby didn't actually correct Baugh.</ref> despite not having any semblance of qualification in [[paleontology]] (or any other scientific field).{{efn|At least Juby hasn't explained anything about why anyone should give his creationist claims the time of day &mdash; not even waving a [[diploma mill]] certificate around à la [[Kent Hovind|"Dr." Dino]] &mdash; except claims to have a [[High IQ society|high]] [[IQ]] score.}}</li>

<li>Dr. Bill Warner of the [[Center for the Study of Political Islam]] frequently references his credentials on the Center's website, but only has a [[Physics]] doctorate.</li>
</ul>

Even worse, it is common in some countries for those with merely honorary degrees to refer to themselves as "Dr," often for pure clout.<ref> https://newsday.co.tt/2022/11/19/stop-abusing-the-title-doctor/ </ref>

==Problems==
Simply put, if someone's not an expert in a field, they can't be cited as one.

Every time an "expert" is touted with a title but without their area of expertise, be wary. If the quoter cannot provide the field in question, the source's authority can also be questioned.

===Poem===
Dennis Earl's poem, ''Professor Nothing'', despite implications of [[conspiracy]], covers some of the problems with supposed experts:<ref>https://dennisearl.wordpress.com/2014/01/20/professor-nothing/</ref>

{{quotebox|Articulation in the highest degree<br />A familiar presence on my TV<br />Acceptable presentation for the powers that be<br />Transparent [[bullshit]] for everyone to see<br />

Your expertise is sorely lacking<br />Yet it doesn’t stop your relentless attacking<br />Of those who oppose dangerous [[fracking]]<br />And those who support honourable [[hacking]]<br />

It's not your place to question and doubt<br />Your worship of power is completely devout<br />You hammer dissent with a ferocious shout<br />As we collectively roll our eyes throughout<br />

You sound real smart but that's an illusion<br />A professor of nothing bordering on delusion<br />A willing conspirator acting in collusion<br />With sinister forces who thrive on confusion}}

==See also==
*[[Credentialism]]
*[[Diploma mill]]
*[[Expert for hire]]
*[[Linking to authority]]
*[[Protected term]]

==Notes==
{{reflist|group=note}}

==References==
{{reflist}}

{{logfal}}

[[Category:Appeals to authority]]
[[Category:Conditional fallacies]]

Categories: Appeals to authority, Conditional fallacies