Onora O'Neill: What we don't understand about trust

Understanding Trust: A Critical Examination

Common Views on Trust

• The speaker introduces the topic of trust, highlighting three prevalent views in society: a claim of declining trust, an aim for more trust, and a task to rebuild trust.

• The speaker argues that these views are misconceived and proposes an alternative perspective on the claim, aim, and task related to trust.

Examining the Claim of Declining Trust

• The speaker questions why people believe there has been a decline in trust. They suggest that while some activities or institutions may have seen a decline, others might have experienced growth.

• Analysis of opinion polls reveals no substantial evidence supporting the belief that overall trust has declined; mistrusted groups remain consistent over time.

• The speaker emphasizes that public perception often lacks nuance; individuals differentiate their levels of trust based on specific contexts rather than applying uniform judgments across all instances.

Rethinking the Aim for More Trust

• The notion of aiming for "more trust" is criticized as misguided; instead, the focus should be on increasing trust in trustworthy individuals while avoiding untrustworthy ones.

• An example is provided regarding individuals who misplaced their savings with Bernie Madoff due to excessive trust—highlighting that not all forms of trust are beneficial.

Understanding Trustworthiness

• The speaker posits that assessing someone's competence, honesty, and reliability is crucial before placing any form of trust in them.

• Personal anecdotes illustrate how even competent friends may not be trustworthy in certain situations due to forgetfulness or overconfidence.

Challenges in Judging Trustworthiness

• Systems designed to ensure accountability can sometimes hinder our ability to judge others' trustworthiness effectively.

• Real-life examples demonstrate how bureaucratic processes can distract professionals from performing their essential duties effectively.

Reassessing the Task of Rebuilding Trust

• The concept of "rebuilding trust" is critiqued; true rebuilding must come from others' perceptions rather than solely individual efforts.

Building Trust: The Key to Relationships

The Importance of Trustworthiness

• Establishing trust requires a foundation of reliability; one must be trustworthy to gain others' confidence.

• It is essential to provide tangible evidence of trustworthiness, as people are generally perceptive and can discern authenticity.

• Everyday examples from various sectors demonstrate how trust is built effectively by individuals and institutions alike.

Vulnerability as a Trust-Building Tool

• A practical example illustrates that businesses can foster trust by allowing returns without questions, showcasing their vulnerability.