Engineer with an 'E' not engineer with an 'e'...!

Erm... "doctors," "lawyers," and "engineers" are all lowercase... they're all just plain old nouns. Unless you mean like "Doctor" as a title, when naming a person, like "Doctor Smith." But you don't call a lawyer "Lawyer Johnson."

I'm an EE. Is that enough E's for you?

Maybe Doctors (and Lawyers ) must use upper case to warn public to watch out for them.

A friend of mine who does not speak bad of anyone comment on a layer was that he is ¨less honest¨.

Hendrik:A friend of mine who does not speak bad of anyone comment on a lawyer was that he is ¨less honest¨.

That depends on what the definition of what "is" is.

As far as the thread goes--Engineers demanding respect by having the title--I have to say that there are different grades of them. Some are bullet proof and amazing. Some aren't. It is a package deal for respect and when one gets there, I bet they sleep good at night and like being called by their first name.

It is nice to know that the work you do makes a difference and pride is a good thing--But is this getting into the realm of ego?

Let the music do the talking. Cheers!

I agree.

The respect is in your mind. If you do not feel repect about your profession, you will not get and feel respected by others.

I know some engineers put Er. before there name just like Dr. for docs. But as you say many of us prefer to be called by first name only instead of some prefix like Dr., which certainly places you in the realm of EGO. You see majority of docs are victims of this ego. They prefer to be called as Doctor, instead of first name, even at home.

The Guest (#1 reply) and Sparkstation seem to have the right idea here. In your own question you ask "Why are engineer's referred to, using the lower case?" and you have , yourself, used the lower case. Then, in your closing you again state "...offer respite to the lowly (?) engineer..." again, sans capitalization.

The reason for this is that you have not addressed anyone specific in those two sentences. When a doctor (notice the ower case) is spoken about, without his specific name, he is referred to as a doctor. However, when he is addressed as Doctor Smith, the upper case is used. The same would apply to an engineer, if the custom was to address him in that way. You don't for instance refer to an engineer as Engineer Smith. The accepted usage is to show his credentials after his name; John Smith, Engineer, or John Smith EE, or John Smith, PE, etc.

Another instance might be where a specific doctor or engineer is being referenced, but without stating his name. This would be most prevelant among a small intimate groupd of individuals where the reference of The Engineer would leave no doubt about whom the speaker is referencing.

I believe that the engineering profession is every bit as worthy of respect as the doctor's profesion, the dentist's profession or the legal profession. In every one of these professions there are those who would detract from the respect warranted by relating stories of the inadequacies of a particular engineer or project wherein there was a mistake in the drawings, for instance. Then the jokes arise about the incompetence of the engineer. This happens in the legal profession as well and probably in most others.

Be proud of your engineering degree and experience. It is a profession where the "practice" of the profession does not mean that you don't know what you are doing. When an engineer "practices" at least he has the option and ability to consult with text books and other professionals in the field before undertaking a task. Doctors who "practice" bury their mistakes. Engineers fix theirs.

It's not the capital that makes engineers respected professionals, its the respect they earn and the legacy that each leaves behind. You see, there is noting that an engineer does that doesn't leave a mark on the world in some small way, and that mark stays the test of time.

And here I thought it was Lawyers and Doctors practice their trade and engineers perform their trade. I can legally practice law per the US Supreme Court but I would not call my self a lawyer. I'd much rather be an engineer.

Brad

Because a manager will take all the glory? :p

I agree with guest #1. I had a boss who wrote in memos with engineer capitalized, and technician in lower case. This is just wrong, because it makes the technicians look like lower class.

I understand that in Germany engineers prefix their names with "Engr" with this prefix they get preference in booking for rail, air travel, bus etc.may be other benefits too.

Is it not simply whether it is used in context as a proper noun or a common noun?

Engineer used as a title it is proper therefore capitalized.

Good stuff gentlemen, interesting wee conversation.

My reply to the eternal question "what is it you do?" is of course "Oh, I''m an Engineer", the next part I hear, goes something like this..." Ah an engineer are you, well that's really handy, you see I have this terrible clunking noise coming from somewhere in the engine bay of my Ford. Any chance you could maybe have a look at it sometime?"

My compliments to those who took part, with particular praise extended to 'Sparkstation' and 'The Commoner'. Discussion now closed.

Cheers

Earthenwood.