Author(s): M. B. Abbott; Y. Huang
Linked Author(s): Michael B. Abbott
Keywords: Professional space; Technology; Selfhood; Value; Ethics
Abstract: A professional space is composed of the whole complex of possibilities and opportunities that enable professionals in a particular discipline to exercise this discipline in an atmosphere of mutual encouragement and support and with a minimum of harm and hindrance. Professionals are those who profess a certain knowledge as directed to a social good, so that in a more general and deeper meaning of the word ‘technology' they are ‘technologists'. The development of professionalism proceeds through an acquisition of competence that develops the professional also in the direction of realising his or her natural abilities, or ‘potential', thus developing in the direction of selfhood. The technical development is then inseparable from a personal, existential, development, thus providing another definition of a professional space again.
Year: 2003