The Ph.D. Octopus

What it is

This is a written essay by William James, published in 1903, criticizing the rising importance of the Ph.D. degree as a credential for teaching posts. It opens with the story of a talented Harvard-trained student denied an appointment because he lacked the formal degree.

Why it matters

James wrote as a senior Harvard professor troubled by what he saw as a growing "squeeze" of credentialism overtaking genuine learning. The essay reveals his broader suspicion of rigid institutions and formal hierarchies, consistent with his pragmatist belief that real worth should be judged by results and character rather than titles. It gives students a window into debates about education and merit that still resonate today.

Look closer

• Why might James, himself a highly credentialed professor, criticize the very system that employed him?
• What does the story of the unnamed student suggest about how institutions value people?
• How does James's tone and choice of words shape his argument?