Trudy Govier
Description
Social Trust and Human
Communities will be of great interest to students, scholars, and
others interested in applied ethics, social theory, or politics.
This book confirms the view that trust is the glue of social life,
offering a sustained discussion of the concept and contexts of
trust. Showing that trust is more significant and more prevalent
than is usually assumed, the author argues that all social bonding
presupposes trust. Trust is essential if we are to live together
ethically, responsibly, and well. From a foundation in an account of
the nature and functions of trust in various social contexts, the book
offers an exploration of some negative effects of distrust on
society. For example, it examines the role of trust in
relationships between doctors and patients and lawyers and
clients. The author employs well-chosen examples from daily life,
literature, film, and Canadian and international politics. She argues
that distrust in politics has been especially prevalent. Though
sometimes well-founded, when pervasive, it can have pernicious
effects. The book concludes with a critique of generalized cynicism.
Comments
and Reviews
P. Kivisto in Choice, May 1998
. . . a useful and
intelligently written compendium of the varied ways that trust has
been explored . . . an invaluable guide to the topic.
Mark Owen
Web, in Philosophy in Review, August 1999
Govier, who has
been struggling with the epistemology and ethics of trust for some
time, has produced a thoroughly useful book on the subject. Its
chief virtue is that it is crammed with discussion of empirical
studies, both psychological and sociological . . . Govier has made a
thorough study of what evidence there is, and presents it in a clear
and organized way. She is also very careful in her application
of empirical results to particular cases. The result is a
philosophical position well informed by facts.
R.E. Carter,
Department of Philosophy, Trent University.
There is nothing in
the field that is as comprehensive or as compelling as this study of
the nature of trust and its role in human professions, politics, and
community. It is both a pleasure to read and a convincing
argument on the necessity of trust in all positive social
interaction.
Table of Contents
- Trust, Precarious Treasure
- Is It a
Jungle Out There?
- Needing Each Other for Knowledge
-
Trust, Professions, and Roles
- Trusting Strangers?
-
Lower-Trust Societies
- Totalitarianism and Civil Society
- Politics, Leadership, and Trust
- Trust and Distrust
Between Groups
- Negative and Positive Pictures of
International Life
- Cynicism, Pessimism, Optimism, and
Hope
Ordering Information
Trudy Govier. Social
Trust and Human Communities.
McGill-Queen's University Press,
1997.
ISBN 0-7735-1680-8 (cloth).
ISBN 9-7735-1680-8
(paper).
Order through Bruce Walsh
<mqup@mqup.mcgill.ca>,
Sales and Advertising Manager,
McGill-Queen's University Press
<http://www.mcgill.ca/mqup>
3430 McTavish Street, Montreal, P.Q. H3A1X9.
Tel: 514-398-3750; fax 514-398-4333.
