[ozim]

In eastern europe you can get engineering degree in computer science and then you can call yourself engineer. Also it is nice if you have testers and developers and you do not want developers feel superior to testers or just reduce tensions between those two groups just call them "software engineers". Everyone is happy because it sounds nice and team spirit is better.

[someguydave]

> Also it is nice if you have testers and developers and you do not want developers feel superior to testers or just reduce tensions between those two groups just call them "software engineers".

Indeed this practice is generally the case in the US.

It seems that there are many who feel free to redefine the title 'engineer' as they see fit. I would ask those people: Why isn't it also the case with 'doctor' (medical)?

[icebraining]

Why isn't it also the case with 'doctor' (medical)?

In some cases, it actually is. In my country, to get a driving license one needs a certificate from a doctor saying they don't have any medical condition that makes one prone to sudden fainting, seizures, etc. Recently, the veterinarians have been demanding the right to pass those certificates, since they're legally doctors too!