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Explores the concept of trust; a key social and cultural issue Draws on a range of disciplines to show how trust is at the centre of many concepts, including biology, psychology, and even game theory Reflects on the nature and importance of trust - why do we value it? why do we want to be trusted, rather than distrusted? Explores the practical and personal consequences of trusting and being trusted Considers the evolutionary aspects of trust and its impacts Part of the best-selling Very Short Introductions series - over five million copies sold worldwide Trust is indispensable, yet it can be dangerous. Without trusting others, we cannot function in society, or even stay alive for very long, but being overly-trustful can be a bad strategy too. Trust is pragmatic, but it also has a moral dimension: trustworthiness is a virtue, and well-placed trust benefits us all. In this Very Short Introduction, Katherine Hawley explores the key ideas about trust and distrust. Considerings questions such as 'Why do we value trust?' and Why do we want to be trusted rather than distrusted?', Hawley raises issues about the importance of trust in both the personal and public spheres, including family and relationships as well as politics and society. About The Author Katherine Hawley, Professor of Philosophy, University of St Andrews Katherine Hawley is Professor of Philosophy at the University of St Andrews and Head of the School of Philosophical, Anthropological and Film Studies. She is the author of How Things Persist (OUP, 2001) and co-editor of Philosophy of Science Today (with Peter Clark, OUP, 2003). Table Of Contents Prologue: Trust and distrust at the breakfast table 1: What are trust and distrust? 2: Why trust and trustworthiness matter 3: Evolving trust and cooperation 4: Take the money and run 5: Honesty and dishonesty 6: Knowledge and expertise 7: Trust on the internet 8: Institutions, conspiracies, and nations Afterword: The importance of being trustworthy References Further reading