The Negative Side: Lack of Trust, Implicit Trust, Mistrust, Doubts and Diffidence - Trust Theory: A Socio-Cognitive and Computational Model - page 122

Probability of P giving
credit to Y

Realistic
Success
Evaluation

Evidences/
Probability in favor
of P

Gap of
Ignorance

Evidences/
Probability in
favor of Not-P

X

Figure 4.5 Giving credit

If, on the contrary, X has a pessimistic or prudential attitude and decides to trust somebody
only after due consideration, only on the basis of evidence and certain data, then the entire
space of 'possibility' is assumed in favor of Not-P, as lack of trust (in this frame we will call

that space b , see Figure 4.5).
Some scholars would like to call 'trust' only this 'credit', only reliance not based on
evidences and good reasons ; but, this is a prescriptive attitude, in contrast with the meaning
of the term in various languages, and with the concrete social use of this notion. Also because
even proofs, certainty, reasons, are just a subjective fact; a matter of believing, and of trusting
sources (there is no way out from such a recursion of trust).
The truth is that there exist two faces and components of trust (and of lack of trust): the
one ' after due considerations ', that is, given in return for received evidences; the other, given
' on credit ', for free, in view of future confirmations. In both cases, X is exposed to risks and
has not full certainty; in fact, the 'bet' present in any act of trust is not in trust per se ,butin
counting on the other, in entrusting, in accepting the possibility of a failure or harm.
To 'give trust' in the sense of 'giving credit' is - as stressed by many authors - an optimistic
attitude 9 not fully prudent and reasonable, but frequently quite effective, and some sort of
self-fulfilling prophecy (see Chapter 8).
The inclusion of the theory of ignorance and uncertainty within the theory of trust - which
is an additional confirmation that the simple 'subjective probability' of the favorable event is
really unsuitable - has interesting consequences.

β

9 This is not necessarily due to a personality or stable disposition. It can be due to circumstances, to Y and his
'cues' that inspire trust; or to a given context or transitory mood.