“There is absolutely no comparison between a PhD in physics, math, or engineering and a PhD in economics, education, or political “science”.”
I have to disagree.
Unfortunately, you are exactly right - I’ve met and had to work with too many scientists and engineers who have absolutely no idea of how the economy, government or market works. Nor, do they have any interest in finding out. All too often they believe themselves to be either ‘above’ or ‘untouched’ by politics or what happens in government. In other cases, they see that as being irrational and go with what they ‘feel’ is right. A disaster either way.
All I’ll say is on one side you have people that actually have to make things work in the actual world we live in and on the other side not so much.