utc i don't think the definition from webbs really works given the change that has happened since it was first written the idea that professionals supply disinterested counsel and service to others for a direct and definite compensation wholly apart from expectation of other business gain is a bit naive particularly in the i think a more realistic and up to date defintion is required for instance in the light of holocaust in which many german professionals acted as instruments of a disfunctional state which would tend to indicate that service for others may not be have the intention but was taken to a tragic extreme likewise the recent financial crisis would tend to indicate that profession of banker if it is a profession has shown to conducted wholly for business gain i e higher profit larger bonuses whilst other professions have shown themselves to be very interested in business gain often to the detriment to the business e g accountants in the enron scandal i am not saying that perks is the ideal source of information but would suggest we need to cast around for a better definition and one that is couched in more modern language talk contribs november