Sixth, professional morality includes special standards that are more or less stringent than particular requirements of ordinary morality in other contexts.

Fifth, the consensus established by a code of ethics provides strong support for the many individuals who strive to act responsibly.

Fourth, mandatory and enforced guidelines are needed to create a fair playing (or working) field where professionalism can flourish without cutthroat competition. In addition, the guidelines help control temptations to cut corners in the pursuit of private or corporate gain.

Third, and partly combining the first two considerations, professionals provide important services to clients who must trust in their expertise. Professional groups win the approval of society to exercise a monopoly, or at least dominance, over vital services, based on their particular credentials that establish their singular claim to competence in providing specific services.

Second, everyday nonprofessional ethics constitutes a morass of clashing viewpoints and languages, a seeming Tower of Babel.1Close Professional norms must be standardized in order to establish a common understanding about what can be expected by way of professional diligence and decency.

First, often much is at stake in providing professional services. Individuals and the general public can be harmed substantially, including through loss of life and livelihood.

Six considerations support the need for this shared minimum.