So at its base, I understand why they’re important. To prove one’s ability to complete tasks, understand fundamentals, and to provide a higher probability for success.
But to my question:
Why are there no accepted alternative ways to prove knowledge?
Euclid did not attend Harvard, yet Harvard students study his discoveries. (Or inventions if you’re into abstract math concepts)
Leibniz studied philosophy and only later self studied mathematics. He went on to develop the notation for differential and integral Calculus.
The above mentioned men are legends of mathematics. The average employee does not need to invent calculus. So why is there such a pressure to earn degrees? Why aren’t self taught, and ambitious self learning individuals valued more in society?
One could say there’s no way to prove what they know. So why isn’t there? Perhaps one that doesn’t cost $40k and 4 years of your life.
If per say, I purchased every single textbook for a universities mathematics degree, read, practiced, and understood every single one. Would I not be just as qualified as the students who attended? Likely more so?
This bureaucracy seems so stupid, and I guarantee that there are thousands of capable individuals who are stuck at the bottom because their hand of cards wasn’t as good as jimmy richboy.
Footnote:
Computer science has proven that there are vast swaths of capable individuals with the talent and drive for success without need for degrees. (Many incapable as well, but that is the way of things) there’s a reason so many other industries are behind tech.