Onora O'Neill: What we don't understand about trust

The video challenges common beliefs about trust, arguing that the focus should be on trustworthiness rather than simply increasing trust. It critiques the idea that trust has declined, suggesting that trust varies by context and individual. The speaker emphasizes the importance of judging trustworthiness based on competence, honesty, and reliability, and criticizes systems of accountability that fail to enhance trustworthiness. The ultimate goal is to foster relationships where trust is based on evidence and vulnerability.

What are the three common views on trust that the speaker challenges?

• Trust is irrelevant, trust is harmful, and trust is outdated.

• Trust is constant, trust is unnecessary, and trust is automatic.

• Trust has declined, we should have more trust, and we should rebuild trust.

• Trust has increased, we need less trust, and trust is unimportant.

According to the speaker, why are opinion polls not reliable indicators of trust?

• They record opinions without context and differentiation.

• They are conducted too infrequently.

• They only measure financial trust.

• They focus on specific individuals rather than groups.

What does the speaker suggest is a more intelligent aim than simply having more trust?

• Trusting only family and friends.

• Placing trust intelligently and refusing it when necessary.

• Trusting everyone equally.

• Avoiding trust altogether.

What are the three criteria the speaker mentions for judging trustworthiness?

• Education, experience, and connections.

• Appearance, speech, and behavior.

• Competence, honesty, and reliability.

• Popularity, wealth, and influence.

Why does the speaker believe that the task of rebuilding trust is misunderstood?

• Because trust is given by others and cannot be rebuilt by oneself.

• Because trust is not important.

• Because trust is easy to rebuild.

• Because trust is irrelevant in modern society.

How does the speaker suggest one can demonstrate trustworthiness?

• By avoiding interactions with others.

• By being overly confident and assertive.

• By making oneself vulnerable and providing evidence of trustworthiness.

• By being secretive and mysterious.

What is the ultimate goal in relationships according to the speaker?

• To have complete control over others.

• To establish relationships where trustworthiness is recognized and judged accurately.

• To ensure everyone trusts you without question.

• To avoid any form of trust to prevent disappointment.