A Programmer’s Oath - Part 02 - What is an oath? What is the most well known oath?

“ Programming, as a profession, is of great importance to society. Other professions with similar importance have oaths and codes of conduct to guide the professionals in their field, like M.D’s and lawyers. This has benefited their professions in many ways, like taking the lead in the creation of legislature.”

(Read my extended summary of Uncle Bob’s presentation)

Inspired by Uncle Bob I'm taking a glance at an oath for programmers. Why is it important? How can we build on the experience in other professions? What role could an oath play?

An oath is a pledge to a third party. A pledge is a sincere statement of fact or a promise. The third party makes the pledge even more sincere and to be taken for truth. Possible third parties are god(s), a ruler, one’s life. 

One of the most well known is the Declaration of Geneva. A declaration of a physician’s dedication to the humanitarian goals of medicine. It was intended as a modern revision of the Hippocratic Oath.

Below the oath with some comments I made while studying its structure:

	   
AS A MEMBER OF THE MEDICAL PROFESSION:
// membership to a group is identified and set as the scope of the pledge

I SOLEMNLY PLEDGE to dedicate my life to the service of humanity;
// a dedication is given to a higher good
      
THE HEALTH AND WELL-BEING OF MY PATIENT will be my first consideration;
// the main subject (patient) is identified
// and the aspects of the subject of importance

I WILL RESPECT the autonomy and dignity of my patient;
// rights of the subject are recognized
      
I WILL MAINTAIN the utmost respect for human life;
// a continues value is established for during practice
    
I WILL NOT PERMIT considerations of age, disease or disability, creed, 
ethnic origin, gender, nationality, political affiliation, race, 
sexual orientation, social standing or any other factor to intervene 
between my duty and my patient;
// bonding with particular subjects is prevented
	
I WILL RESPECT the secrets that are confided in me, 
even after the patient has died;
// the bond with the subject is safeguarded

I WILL PRACTICE my profession with conscience and dignity 
and in accordance with good medical practice;
// standards set for the practice of the profession itself

I WILL FOSTER the honour and noble traditions of the medical profession;
// recognition for the lineage of a profession
      
I WILL GIVE to my teachers, colleagues, and students 
the respect and gratitude that is their due;
// a framework to treat several layers in the profession as equals
      
I WILL SHARE my medical knowledge for the benefit of the patient 
and the advancement of healthcare;
// the growth of the knowledge within the profession is guaranteed

I WILL ATTEND TO my own health, well-being, and abilities 
in order to provide care of the highest standard;
// self care is enforced, and care for one’s a

I WILL NOT USE my medical knowledge to violate human rights 
and civil liberties, even under threat;
// guards are placed on abuse

I MAKE THESE PROMISES solemnly, freely and upon my honour.
// a promise upon oneself