What is an honorary doctorate

An honorary doctorate is one of the highest distinctions an institution may bestow. An honorary degree, denoted as honoris causa (Latin meaning "for the sake of honor"), is conferred to recognize an individual's substantial contributions to a specific field, society, or culture, in contrast to a conventional PhD obtained after extensive study and original research. The grantee is exempt from the standard academic prerequisites.

It serves as a symbolic manifestation of admiration and appreciation from the academic community, rather than a traditional academic degree. What is the rationale behind the conferral of honorary doctorates?
Universities provide these degrees for several significant reasons:

The predominant rationale is to commemorate outstanding accomplishment. It recognizes those who have attained the pinnacle of success in their respective domains, including public service, business, politics, the arts, literature, or science. Examples include a Nobel laureate in physics, a pioneering human rights campaigner, and an innovative artist whose works have influenced an entire generation.

To Forge a Connection: By honoring a prominent individual, a university aligns itself with their values, accomplishments, and legacy. It cultivates lasting connections and possesses the ability to inspire educators and learners.

Awarding honorary degrees is a prevalent aspect of commencement celebrations to inspire students. The honoree aims to encourage graduating students by sharing ideas from a life of remarkable accomplishment.

The selection of an honoree by a university underscores its core institutional ideals. Recognizing a technological innovation underscores a commitment to progress and entrepreneurship, whereas conferring a degree upon a prominent humanitarian highlights a dedication to social justice.