> Stephan,
>
> "To qualify as a profession there must be a mental component to what you do."
>
> I can't imagine a trade that doesn't require thought.
>
>
> Dave
OK, now answer to the rest of my comment such as that the body of knowledge must be vast, there must be a theoretical base that informs the practical knowledge, and that the body of knowledge much more likely than not, will be entrusted to colleges and universities.
Stephen
Stephan,
"Excluding the unqualified" should be the job of the purchaser of said service.
If you need to feel better by calling it "protecting the public," then you have a pretty low opinion of the decision-making capabilities of your fellow humans. Would you go to a bad doctor just because he has a current license?
If "the public" can't decide whether to malign just the practicioner or his entire profession, maybe both deserve to be maligned. Most people can judge the worth of a carpenter without linking their judgement to carpentry.
Dave
Stephan,
"the body of knowledge must be vast"
Since that applies also to a good tradesman, I can't see it as a distinction between profession and trade.
"theoretical base" = Selling Knowledge
"practical knowledge" = Selling Skill
"the body of knowledge ... entrusted to colleges and universities."
OK, you've got a point. Where we receive our training might be a distinction. However I know several PLS's that have no college degree. (Yes, I know it's a requirement nowadays.)
Dave