No True Engineer Fallacy

The cluster revolves around debates questioning whether certain criticized individuals or behaviors truly represent 'real' engineers, often invoking the 'no true engineer' or 'no true Scotsman' fallacy. Discussions defend or gatekeep engineer identity in response to broader criticisms of engineering practices or competence.

➡️ Stable 0.6x Career & Jobs
6,596
Comments
20
Years Active
5
Top Authors
#1456
Topic ID

Activity Over Time

2007
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Keywords

TV WEI HN engineers engineer engineering hilarious tbh good point hacker thinking magnets enshittification

Sample Comments

wlievens Feb 24, 2014 View on HN

Well they are engineers... what did you expect?

chewz Jan 21, 2026 View on HN

Some people shouldn't just be engineers in the first place, I guess.

ianai May 3, 2017 View on HN

You be one of those engineers

AstroBen Nov 18, 2025 View on HN

I don't think this is speaking to the engineers

nashashmi Mar 6, 2025 View on HN

I thought you were implying few behave like an actual engineer.

chii Jul 29, 2018 View on HN

One should be hesitant to call those people engineers.

tybris Oct 28, 2009 View on HN

Seems like engineers are under-valued then.

nirga Dec 18, 2023 View on HN

That's interesting! tbh you're not the first engineer I heard saying that!

codinger Jan 1, 2019 View on HN

Ah, the good ole no true engineer fallacy.

mbesto Aug 23, 2023 View on HN

You know the parent comment is from an engineer right?