Question

3.1 Put yourself in the shoes of Isabel Edwards. She seems to take pride in consulting with ‘patients’, and the people who do so take a liking to her. She even has many followers on social media. Formulate arguments as to why one may think that Isabel Edwards is under the impression that what she does (impersonating a doctor and giving medical advice to people) is in fact appropriate / the right thing to do.

Answer 1

To understand why Isabel Edwards may believe that impersonating a doctor and giving medical advice is appropriate, we can consider several factors that contribute to her perspective:

1. Positive Social Reinforcement: Isabel has cultivated a significant following on social media, which often leads individuals to interpret the approval of their audience as a validation of their actions. The likes, shares, and supportive comments she receives may reinforce her belief that what she is doing is well-received and accepted. If her followers express gratitude for her advice, she might view it as confirmation that she is helping people, thereby solidifying her belief that her actions are justified.

2. Sense of Empowerment: Isabel may feel empowered by her role as a “consultant” offering advice to those seeking help. This can create a sense of purpose and fulfillment, leading her to believe that she is contributing positively to her community. She may perceive her actions as filling a gap in healthcare or providing support where traditional medical resources are perceived as lacking.

3. Misinterpretation of Expertise: Isabel might genuinely believe that her background or experience qualifies her to advise others, even if she lacks formal medical training. She could assume that her knowledge, perhaps gained through personal experience or informal research, is sufficient to guide individuals on health-related topics. This could lead to a misplaced confidence in her abilities and decision-making.

4. Diminishing Perceived Risks: Isabel may downplay or overlook the potential dangers of giving medical advice without proper qualifications. She might think of her consultations as harmless or see the risks as minimal, believing that individuals are ultimately responsible for their own health decisions. This rationalization may convince her that her intentions are good and that there is no significant harm in her actions.

5. Influence of Informal Medical Communities: In today's digital age, many individuals turn to social media for health advice. Isabel might be influenced by the existence of popular figures who provide medical information and advice without formal training. She may believe she is part of a larger trend empowering individuals to seek and share health information in a way that feels accessible and relatable, thereby justifying her own actions.

6. Compassionate Intentions: If Isabel genuinely cares about the people she interacts with, her compassion may cloud her judgment. She may feel that her intentions—helping others and providing support—outweigh the ethical implications of her actions. This emotional motivation can create a narrative for her that justifies her behaviors regardless of their legality or appropriateness.

7. Desire for Recognition and Status: With a following on social media, Isabel might value the recognition that comes with her role as an influencer or advisor. The desire for social status can sometimes lead individuals to believe they have capabilities or authority beyond their qualifications, contributing to a sense of legitimacy about their actions as “helpful” rather than “harmful.”

In summary, Isabel Edwards’ belief in the appropriateness of her actions may stem from a combination of social validation, perceived empowerment, misinterpretation of her qualifications, minimized risk perceptions, influence from wider trends, compassionate motivations, and a desire for recognition. These factors can create a distorted understanding of the ethical and legal implications of impersonating a doctor and giving medical advice.