Professional Issues in Computing

Software engineering and computer science is emerging as a profession, in the same sense as medicine, law or certain other engineering disciplines. Only appropriately qualified people are allowed to prescribe drugs and certify the safety of a building design but there is no restriction on who can build safety-critical computer systems such as those involved in controlling radiation therapy machines and ambulance dispatch systems. However, there is a trend in this direction.

Membership of a profession confers power in several ways. Technical knowledge itself gives power. The status and prestige of professionals gives more weight to their views (even when the views are not related to technical expertise). The "closed shop" of professions creates a monopoly for certain services, allowing professionals to obtain greater remuneration for their services. Professions are forms of communities, which generally give some support and protection to their members.

However, with this power comes certain responsibilities and expectations. Professional societies generally have a code of ethics which curtails inappropriate uses of power. For example, it is un-ethical for a doctor to refuse life saving treatment on the grounds that the patient has insufficient money to pay for it. As well as attributes such as honesty and integrity, codes of ethics generally stress that professionals should consider the broad consequences of their actions and place the well-being society as a whole ahead of the interests of individuals. A professional should have reasonable knowledge of the laws which affect their profession and may occasionally have to deal with conflicts between the law and their ethics. Computer professionals must take note of how the powerful technologies we are creating are reshaping the world, and must share responsibility for it.

Communication is an important part of being a professional. This is particularly important in computing because of the huge breadth of computer applications, from art to zoology. Software engineers know the importance of communication with clients concerning requirements of computer systems, et cetera. Computing professionals must also be able to form and express views on broader views such as whether a proposed use of computer technology is good for society as a whole. Professions are also expected to be open about the knowledge they have. Although computing may seem like magic to some, computer professionals do not use spells and incantations which are kept secret from the uninitiated. Professions have a responsibility to educate and demystify (there is often a balance between this responsibility and others concerning protecting intellectual property). Professionals also have a responsibility to further their own education. They must know how to search literature and are expected to keep up with the latest developments in their field.

Professionalism is not something which can be taught like a programming language or algorithm. Technical expertise is assumed but are many other issues involved. The Professional Issues in Computing subject is designed to expose you to some of these issues and help you become a computing professional, not just a computing expert.