Conceptualization of trust within medieval Islamic medicine

Abstract

Medicine in medieval Islam was not simply a technical trade but a crucial societal institution guided by moral values and collective obligations. At the heart of this institution lies the concept of trust. This study aims to conceptualize the formation and dynamics of trust in medieval Islamic medicine, using a qualitative, historical-analytical approach. For this purpose, we analyzed manifestations of trust throughout society in accordance with theoretical frameworks of trust across three interconnected levels of relationships: trust within the community of physicians, trust between people and physicians, and generalized or public trust in physicians. The study results show that the framework of trust in the community of physicians is widespread and is created through professional knowledge, ethical standards, medical ethics, collaboration, and medical practices within the community of physicians; trust between physicians and people is also typical and is a product of socioeconomic factors and reputation; and finally, public trust is pervasive and is formed through societal and cultural measures.