Social Trust and Human Communities

Jeffrey J. Cormier is a Ph.D. candidate specializing in Canadian society
at McGill University.

Summing up the argument of this overwhelmingly complex and dense book is
no easy feat, especially for a layperson, most certainly its intended
target. Govier’s text on the nature of social trust draws upon
anthropological studies, political biographies, psychological laboratory
studies, and political philosophy to say almost everything there is to
say about the topic of trust. The clearest theme to emerge is Govier’s
firm belief that trust in modern society is a virtue we could do with a
little more of.

She provides a lucid overview of the literature, mentioning
sociologists like Goffman, Garfinkel, and Luhmann and a host of
lesser-known philosophers, psychologists, and anthropologists. While
each of these theorists has something valuable to say, they all suffer
from too narrow a focus. Yes, the author says, we trust both individuals
and institutions as the sociologists say, but we do so even though we
are unaware of it.

Govier details examples of both unconscious trust (think of the grocer
we automatically trust will not poison us with harmful vegetables) and
conscious trust (most of us are aware whether or not we trust Preston
Manning’s campaign promises). Common to both cases is the fact that we
are placed in a vulnerable position vis-а-vis the entrusted person. And
this is the very essence of social trust. We leave ourselves open to
being let down, and we often are.

As Govier documents, countless professionals, politicians, and complete
strangers can and do breach social trust. Nor is the issue of social
trust applicable only to individuals. Whole societies can be ranked as
“low” or “high trust”; groups can trust or distrust other
groups, as can states other states.

Much of this book is written in the imperative. At times Govier seems
to blur the distinction between epistemology, morality, and ethics.
Trust in your community for knowledge and guidance, she says, and be
wary of greedy lawyers. Liberals are sure to feel uneasy with this
message, communitarians will snuggle in for a good read.