[sjg007]

I use to think this way. I do not anymore. A PhD is independent research training which is by far the most important skill for new knowledge and hence new business and new technology creation. We need way more PhDs than we have if we are to survive and thrive as a species.

[btrettel]

I agree that a PhD is training, though I will disagree that it's independent research training as few PhD graduates can do truly independent research in the sense of not needing to collaborate with others. Academia emphasizes collaboration far too much in my view.

I don't think a PhD is necessary to learn how to do research, however, and I think it's actually a bad way to learn how to do research. The system is quite abusive in my view and pays poorly. I think it's likely someone could do better by taking a well-paid job and going on long research sabbaticals every once in a while.

A while back I recall someone on HN comparing a PhD to an apprenticeship, which is not consistent with my experience. My PhD advisor did not provide a lot of value I couldn't have got on my own.