What is theory?

Abstract

This paper explores the relation between theory and practice through a series of linked
questions. It argues that professional practice, human thoughtfulness and theoretical understanding are in dynamic interplay in any serious attempt at professional development. One of the purposes of the paper is to draw together various strands of my own recent writing on the changing nature of professionalism across a variety of occupational groups within the public and non profit-making sectors —hence the references to some of my own academic writing in this area. I have tried to adopt an informal style that seems appropriate to the origins of the paper in the highly engaging seminar and rich conversations held at the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB) in October 2003.