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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2009
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2010
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2011
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2012
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2013
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2014
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2015
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2016
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2017
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2018
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2019
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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?