Talk
Function & Flexibility
Trust from a psychological perspective
11 May
2:00 PM-2:30 PM
When humans accept vulnerability in social interactions, communication and cooperation emerge and co-creativity, participation, and democracy flourish. When trust breaks down, on the other hand, vicious circles of selfishness, aggression and more distrust are likely consequence. But should we really trust other people? Wouldn’t that be naïve?
In her lecture, Anne Böckler-Raettig will take a developmental perspective, showing clear indications from psychological research that people are, in fact, trustworthy and trusting by nature. Even though these tendencies are not immune to disruptions, they are the core of our success as a species. And they can even be fostered, for instance by meditation-based trainings. However, institutional misconduct and breaches of trust by positions of power pose a significant challenge for interpersonal trust – and for peaceful and democratic societies.
In her lecture, Anne Böckler-Raettig will take a developmental perspective, showing clear indications from psychological research that people are, in fact, trustworthy and trusting by nature. Even though these tendencies are not immune to disruptions, they are the core of our success as a species. And they can even be fostered, for instance by meditation-based trainings. However, institutional misconduct and breaches of trust by positions of power pose a significant challenge for interpersonal trust – and for peaceful and democratic societies.
