ABSTRACT
During the half-century since the foundation of the Association of University Teachers (A.U.T) the academic profession has changed profoundly in its character and functions, but then so too has the society which it exists to serve. It is because of the dependence on and domination by the professional expert that modern society deserves to be called professional society. It would be surprising if the first-generation academics did not take advantage of their opportunity and become the fathers of first-generation leaders in many of the 'interest pyramids' which make up the power-structures of professional society. In yet one more way university teaching may be the key profession to social mobility and recruitment to positions of power and influence in society. The great strength and chief defence of professional society is that it provides for all its members expert services which are guaranteed by competent and qualified judges. No society would pay for incompetent services or for expensive training for self-certified 'experts'.
