5 - A Pattern-Based Definition of Trust

Summary

In this chapter, the authors apply the approach of basing a definition on the pattern of characteristic features of a term to that of ‘trust’. Starting from an analysis of ‘a patient trusts his doctor’, they identify seven characteristic features of ‘trust’. (1) Trust refers to an expectation regarding the trustworthiness. (2) Trust presupposes a situation of uncertainty and risk. (3) Trust is responsible if this expectation is justified. (4) This expectation must be realistic. (5) Trust is a free choice and implies the (at least unconscious) acceptance of the trust’s inherent risk. (6) A breach of trust causes a feeling of betrayal on the part of the truster. (7) Trust refers to the relationship between agents, who are competent and autonomous with regard to the topic of trust. Of the seven features, (1), (2), and (3) are essential, i.e., if one of them is absent, it cannot be a case of trust. From this follows their basic definition of trust: ‘trust refers to a justified expectation regarding the trustworthiness of the trustee under conditions of uncertainty and risk’.