Trust in Medicine: Its Nature, Justification, Significance, and Decline

The authors, a surgeon-turned-philosopher and an analytical philosopher, wrote a book that bridges the gap between the practical and theoretical to define trust and explain its decline in the medical context. It appeals to all interested in the debate about the decline of trust.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 270 pages
Publication date: 01 July 2021
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Over the past few decades, the public's trust in medical professionals has experienced a significant decline, leading to frustration among physicians. While discussions of trust often revolve around abstract philosophical concepts or social science investigations, they may not be readily accessible to clinicians. Recognizing this gap, the authors, one a surgeon-turned-philosopher and the other an analytical philosopher specializing in medical ethics, have collaborated to write a book that bridges the practical and theoretical realms. Drawing from methods of conceptual analysis rooted in analytical philosophy and incorporating insights from medical diagnosis, the authors have developed a coherent and comprehensive definition of trust to shed light on this concept and explain its decline within the medical context. This book is intended to appeal to a wide range of individuals interested in the ongoing debate surrounding the decline of trust, including medical professionals, medical ethicists, medical lawyers, and philosophers.

The erosion of public trust in medical professionals has been a gradual and concerning trend over the past several decades. This decline, accompanied by the implementation of increasingly stringent regulations, has left physicians feeling disheartened and frustrated. While discussions of trust often take place in abstract philosophical or social science contexts, they may not be readily accessible to clinicians who are actively engaged in patient care. Recognizing this gap, the authors, one a surgeon-turned-philosopher and the other an analytical philosopher with expertise in medical ethics, have collaborated to write a book that bridges the practical and theoretical realms. Drawing from methods of conceptual analysis rooted in analytical philosophy and incorporating insights from medical diagnosis, the authors have developed a comprehensive and coherent definition of trust that aims to elucidate this concept and explain its decline within the medical context.

The book is organized into three distinct chapters, each exploring different aspects of trust. In the first chapter, the authors provide a historical overview of the concept of trust, tracing its evolution from ancient times to the present day. They examine how trust has been shaped by various cultural, social, and economic factors and how it has played a crucial role in the development of medicine. The second chapter focuses on the factors that contribute to the decline of trust in medical professionals. The authors examine the role of healthcare institutions, regulatory bodies, and media coverage in shaping public perceptions and discuss the ways in which these factors can undermine the credibility and reliability of medical professionals. The third chapter explores the implications of the decline of trust for medical professionals and patients. The authors discuss the challenges that physicians face and the strategies that they can employ to rebuild trust and restore confidence in the medical system. They also explore the importance of patient education and engagement in promoting trust and improving healthcare outcomes.

Throughout the book, the authors use a clear and accessible writing style, incorporating examples and case studies to illustrate their points. They also draw upon a wealth of research and literature from various fields, including philosophy, medicine, and social science, to provide a comprehensive and interdisciplinary perspective on the topic.

In conclusion, the book "Trust in Medicine: An Analytical Philosophical Exploration" is a valuable contribution to the ongoing debate about the decline of trust in medical professionals. By bridging the gap between the practical and theoretical, the authors have provided a comprehensive and accessible exploration of the concept of trust and its implications for the medical field. This book is intended to appeal to a wide range of individuals interested in the ongoing debate surrounding the decline of trust, including medical professionals, medical ethicists, medical lawyers, and philosophers. By offering a multidisciplinary approach to the topic, the authors hope to contribute to the development of strategies and solutions that can help rebuild trust and improve healthcare outcomes for all.

Weight: 406g
Dimension: 152 x 229 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108732734