ABSTRACT
This chapter looks first at the meaning of the term profession, and at the notion of being professional. The relationship between trades and professions, the importance of learning, knowledge and expertise, and the philosophy of commitment are considered in some detail. It then examines codes for professional conduct and protective structures, and explores ideas of competence, integrity, morality and business, paying special attention to the frequent dichotomy between personal values and business ethics. The fixed nature of moral belief is considered, alongside the notion of transformable morals, in the form of situation ethics. It concludes with a discussion of impartiality and the idea that vested interest is actually constructive.
