Is Computing a “Profession”?

Computing is a profession with a number of sub-disciplines. Computing is actually based on mastery of an esoteric body of knowledge is an argument point. But for Johnson’s standards, computing is not a profession. Some argue that computer science does not yet have its own body of knowledge because mostly it relies on other fields like mathematics, engineering, and physics. Without a body of specialized knowledge there is no profession. Others argue that computing does not really rely on a systematic or abstract body of knowledge and in this sense the body of knowledge on which it draws is not esoteric; rather computing relies on knowing how to do things. It is more application than science. However, often the context of the situation puts computing professionals into morally/ethically significant positions so it has responsibility to follow a code of ethics.