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Trust


We live in a time when manipulated images, partisan reporting, and allegations of 'fake news' make it increasingly difficult to determine whether individuals and institutions are worthy of our trust. Trust is akin to a leap of faith that depends on a combination of experience, intuition, bravery and sheer hope. Interpersonal trust circumvents the uncertainties that may put relationships at risk and transforms these into the most wondrous of alliances as doubt turns to rapture.

Trust allows young children to do things that scare them when a parent or guardian is near to provide protection. Trust inspires lovers to overcome the fear of rejection and the unknown other to embark on exhilarating journeys of mutual discoveries, carnal pleasures, and intimate liaisons. Trust also informs the way relate to those who are not directly related to us. We rely on the professionals with whom we interact to conduct themselves in accordance with the rules and standards that determine proper conduct in their respective fields. We assume healthcare practitioners attending to our needs are not only qualified, but also have our well-being at heart. We assume teachers educate us appropriately with accurate information. We trust experts to tell us about happenings in the world and what we should or should not do. In the most basic sense, we trust that everyone else is not going to cause us harm as we go about our daily lives.

However, the possibility for people and institutions we trust to let us down raises the question of whether it is imaginable, or desirable, to fully trust anyone besides ourselves. It has never been more important to take stock of how trust informs our personal and professional lives, as well as the way we operate in our communities. Is there inherent value in trusting and being trusted? Is trust necessary for survival in a society? What are the foundations of trust? What makes a person or institution (un)worthy of trust? How do factors such as culture, historical context and identity shape the way we understand the concept of trust? How does trust operate among non-humans? What are the limits of trust? What are effective strategies for coping with lost trust and rebuilding a trusting relationship?

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