>I know, I should have prashed that a more presise. I got the impression that JVP was telling that a degree does not mean anything because there are people who reach the highest level in their field without one. I don't think it's true. From, people with a degree in CS you'd expect some basic level of understanding the field area where it applies, whereas for people without it, it's more difficult to determine his/hers knowledge in the field in a wider view: He/she can be gifted with excelent understanding of one specific field (i've seem lot's of examples right here on the UT), but does not even have a clue about others. Since having a degree in for example CS should have learned the at least the basics of computer science in a broad view, it certainly does not say that he can compete with someone without one but is specialized to the problem area.
>
>For example here in the netherlands (i'm sure this would also apply to the US), having a degree in CS would mean that:
>- Having a clue about OSs
>- Having a clue about mathemetics (like intergration, differentation, specific algorithms)
>- Having a clue about relation database systems.
>

I think we disagree as to what base level of understanding and competence possessing a degree may indicate. Or that formal educational credentials, except viewed in the very narrow context of an advanced degree earned in a relatively current timeframe, says anything in detail about the credential holder's competence, with the exception of specific knowledge in the very limited scope of the advanced degree.

As someone who does not hold a terminal degree in my own fields of formal study and academic certification, I'd say that anyone whose primary claim of competence in a field is a piece of paper might well be advised on how best to employ said piece of papyrus. I respect the amount of effort and desire conferred by a general undergraduate degree in any field; the undergraduate degree holder has not demonstrated a level of excellence or competence in their field of study, even to the extent of having basic clues about the underpinnings of the course of study. There has not been detailed study of the field, simply a base level of exposure to the field. Exposure, not understanding or mastery. Simply exposure.