Occupational therapy, professional development, and ethics

The aim of this article is to reflect on and contribute to developing occupational therapy as a profession. The author proposes an ethical interpretation of health and helping professions in general and occupational therapy in particular. According to this ethical interpretation, the essential function and mission of classical health and helping professions are defined by certain ethical values: the basic elements of a good human life. The author argues that the central concepts of occupational therapy, activity and participation, can plausibly be understood in this light. However, this seems to imply a rather substantial conception of well-being which the author tries to spell out. In addition, the basic principles of biomedical ethics are specified in the context of occupational therapy according to an ethical interpretation. In conclusion, four advantages of the ethical interpretation are highlighted: it adds precision and content to ethical principles and guidelines; it contributes to building up and preserving a shared professional identity; it puts emphasis on a client-centred perspective on professional work; and it provides a constructive framework for inter-professional cooperation.