A Comparison of Computer Science to the Medical Profession
Posted in Articles & Essays on February 10th, 2009 by Erick – Be the first to commentBy: Erick McGhee, 2008
In a 1990 article, Karen Hooten urged computer programmers to abstain from calling themselves software engineers. In the article, Hooten claimed that based on the Chatlos vs. National Cash Register Corp. case, people working in the Computer Science field are not considered professionals. Her point is proven by comparing Computer Science with an established profession such as Medicine. Computer Science, unlike Medicine, should not be considered a profession because it lacks a standard body of knowledge, does not require a specific degree, requires no licensing, and lacks a single accepted code of ethics. The field of medicine meets all of these criteria. By comparing the two fields it is also possible to determine the steps that need to be taken in order to raise Computer Science to professional status.