The evolution of a profession

Abstract

The word profession derives from the Latin profiteri - to make an open or public statement of one’s beliefs and intentions, one’s acknowledgement of a certain fact. In the modern sense the word has come to describe collectively the nature of an occupation, the practice of which requires certain advanced preparation in some liberal art or applied science. The practice is characterised by some form of exclusiveness (such as only those who are qualified in a certain area of study may practise the profession), by commitment, and by observances of an ethical nature.