Abstract

This article argues that professional dignity is based on the moral autonomy of a professional; meaning that ethical codes and norms, including unwritten routines, are mandatory only when they are not contradictory to the conscience of the professional. The argument is based on Immanuel Kant’s practical philosophy and his analysis of human dignity and moral freedom. The article also presents Daryl Koehn’s definition of profession as a public pledge and shows it as inherently connected to the autonomy of human will.