Recently in this space I talked about issues of scientific integrity and the regrettable focus in the popular press on instances of scientific fraud.I made the point that,as professionals working in an applied area,we are part of a technical community-a community with a long history,many distinguished contributors,and a record of technical contribution to our industry and to society.My reference to"professionals"got me to thinking about just what we mean by the terms"professional"and"professionalism,"and what those terms imply.Often enough,especially in the context of sports,the term"professional"is set in opposition to"amateur,"but that is not really the comparison or the metaphor that I had in mind-especially not in light of recent concerns over the use of performance enhancing drugs in both professional and(nominally)amateur sports,and the boorish behavior of some"professionals."
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