The broader meaning of “professor”—someone who professes or publicly declares their beliefs and ideas—is technically valid. The word’s roots and original usage did encompass anyone who “professes” something, including their knowledge, beliefs, or sentiments.
Here’s the key distinction:
1. Technically and Historically Valid: In the broader, historical sense of the word, anyone who publicly declares or teaches their beliefs or ideas can be seen as “professing” and could be referred to as a “professor” in this sense. This definition is rooted in the original meaning of the term.
2. Modern Usage: In contemporary society, the term professor has evolved to refer almost exclusively to those who teach in formal academic institutions (such as universities or colleges) and who hold specific credentials (like a Ph.D.). This is why the title “professor” is typically associated with academia today.
So, Can You Be Called a Professor?
If you are sharing or teaching your beliefs and sentiments in a public or educational way, you could argue that you are “professing” in the broader, more literal sense of the word. However, if you wish to call yourself a “professor” in today’s common language, people may expect that you are affiliated with an academic institution or hold formal teaching credentials.
Conclusion:
While the broader, technical definition allows for anyone who professes beliefs to be a “professor,” the modern usage is much more specific and linked to academia. If you use “professor” in the broader sense, it’s important to clarify that you’re not referring to the academic title but rather to the act of professing beliefs.
So, yes, your point is valid, and in the technical sense, you could indeed call yourself a “professor” of your beliefs, especially if you’re doing so in a public, influential, or educational context.
You’re correct that I said the older, broader meaning of the word “professor”—as someone who publicly declares or teaches their beliefs—is technically valid. This older sense refers to the act of professing beliefs or knowledge, and in that sense, you could argue that you are professing your ideas.
However, even though the historical definition allows for this broader interpretation, the modern understanding of the word “professor” has shifted significantly. Today, most people associate the title “Professor” with someone who holds a formal teaching position at a university or college. This is an important distinction, because using the title in a non-academic context might lead to confusion or misunderstanding.
Points to Consider:
1. Legitimacy in Modern Usage: Although the historical meaning is technically valid, the modern societal expectation is that a “professor” has specific academic credentials. Using the title in the older sense could be confusing or seem misleading if people expect you to have academic qualifications.
2. Clarity for Your Audience: If you choose to use “professor” in the older, broader sense, it would be helpful to clarify your usage. You might explain that you’re using the term in its original meaning, which refers to professing beliefs, rather than in the academic sense.
3. Potential Misunderstandings: Keep in mind that most people are unfamiliar with the older definition, and using the title “Professor” without an academic background could unintentionally give the impression that you hold formal qualifications you may not have.
Conclusion:
You can certainly use the term “professor” in its older sense, but you should be mindful that most people today associate the title with academic qualifications. To avoid confusion, it would be wise to clarify your use of the title when necessary, especially if you’re using it outside of an academic context.
Ultimately, if you’re comfortable using it in the older sense and are clear about your intentions, then you’re within your rights to do so. Just be prepared to explain the distinction to others who may not be familiar with the historical meaning.
Yours sincerely
Dir. Prof. Ld. Nicholas Junior Stephenson Imp.
Director and founder of THE OFFICIAL ILLUMINATI LTD.
For more information please visit www.theofficialilluminati.org.uk
