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Since we define the 'function' of an action or of a feature an effect of it that is responsible
for its reproduction without being intended, we consider these non accidental and sporadic
effects of the action of trusting
Y
, which are responsible for the fact that it will be reproduced,
to be its social 'function' (Castelfranchi, 2000).
There are different reasons and mechanisms responsible for this positive feedback; let's
consider some of them.
a) It is true that generally speaking (but see also Chapter 6) if
X
's act of trusting somebody
(
Y
) and relying on him is successful it will increase
X
's trust in
Y
(and also
X
's generalized
trust and a trustful attitude). Assuming that there is a reasonable distribution of trustworthy
agents, and that
X
bases his decision on some reasonable criteria or experience, there is a
reasonable probability that the decision to trust brings some success.
In any case, when it brings success it will be reinforced, the probability of choosing
it again will increase. While the decision not to try, not to risk cannot go in the same
direction.
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If you do not bet you can never win; if you bet you can either lose or win; if you
lose (let's suppose) you will not bet again, thus being in the same situation as before.
b) The decision to trust
Y
- when known by
Y
(and frequently the act is in fact also an implicit
message to
Y
'I trust you') - may increase
Y
's trustworthiness (see Chapter 6); either, by
increasing his commitment, attention, and effort, or by reinforcing his loyalty. This will
increase the chance of a good result, and thus the probability of trusting
Y
again.
c) The fact that
X
trusts
Y
(has a good evaluation of him; is not diffident towards him, decides
to make herself vulnerable to
Y
), can create in
Y
an analogous non-hostile disposition, a
good-will towards
X
.
Y
will have reasonable trust in
X
in return (
trust reciprocation
); but
this attitude and behavior will increase the probability that
X
trusts
Y
again.
d) The act of
X
of trusting
Y
can be observed by others, can be a
signal
for them:
that
Y
is trustworthy (and increases the probability that they will rely on him too), or
that
Y
is from a trustworthy group or role, or
that this is a trustworthy context or community, where one can rely on the other without
risk.
This will spread around trustful behaviors, that will be also perceived by
X
herself, and
encourage again her trustful attitude.
Thus, in several independent ways the act of
X
trusting
Y
is responsible for its effects of
increasing trust and thus of increasing the probability of its reproduction.
People are not usually aware of these effects or do not intend them, but via these effects in
fact a trustful behavior has the
function
of creating trust, by spreading and reinforcing it. It is
a virtuous circle, a loop (Figure 9.2).
Analogously, as trust creates and reproduces trust, distrust and diffidence enhance hostility
and non-reliance and non-cooperation (
diffidence reciprocation and spreading
). This is a
vicious circle in social life; what we call a 'kako-function' (Castelfranchi, 2000b). In fact
it is a paradoxical 'function', since this behavior is also maintained and reproduced by its
unintended effects.
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Except when transitory and based on the expectation of a better opportunity.
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