The dr.philos degree is an independent degree without supervision and organized training. The dr.philos and PhD degree are considered equal in status.
www.uib.no/mofa/en/research/doctoral...at.../dr.-philos



--------------------------------------------------
Note added at 44 mins (2009-09-11 10:12:34 GMT)
--------------------------------------------------

Following a reform in 2003, all the traditional degrees except dr. philos. were abolished, and replaced by a new doctor of philosophy degree, spelled philosophiae doctor and abbreviated ph.d. The scientific standard of the ph.d. degree is lower, as it in most cases only requires three years of research.

The traditional degree dr. philos., equivalent of four years of scientific research, is still awarded to those who qualify for such a degree without being admitted to an organized doctoral programme.
www.answers.com/topic/doctor-of-philosophy

In 2003, a new Doctor of Philosophy degree that is spelled the opposite way, philosophiae doctor, and abbreviated ph.d., was introduced in Norway. This degree, which replaced all other doctoral degrees except dr. philos., requires 2.5 years of research and 6 months of mandatory courses in most fields.

The dr. philos. degree is still awarded to those who qualify for such a degree without being admitted to an organized doctoral programme (which is only organized for the new 3 year ph.d. degree).
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dr._philos._(Norwegian_degree)