The three scenarios illustrate difficult situations. To solve them we could use utilitarian or deontological theories but they are only useful if the contexts of the problem are taken into account – i.e. the fact that Carl is a professional and employee of a company and that LJ and is professional, owner of the company and has a contract with the client. In these situations, we must consider what it means to act as a professional. What responsibilities do:

We must recognise that professional role is special because it carries special rights and responsibilities. Some occupational roles are said to be STRONGLY DIFFERENTIATED where by professionals are granted powers exceptional to ordinary morality (eg. Consider medical doctors). Most occupational roles are NOT strongly differentiated.

It is claimed by most that the computing profession is NOT strongly differentiated i.e. computer professionals do not acquire special power/privilege by virtue of being in the profession. However this is not always the case - when hired to do a job, professionals do acquire powers and hence obligations that come with them. For example, Carl has obligation to his company but does not do everything his boss asks. LJ has obligation to the client for the security that they want.