Abstract

How does our attitude to trust and distrust apply to our relationships with institutions, public figures, or social groups? What is the difference between trusting a politician and trusting the government? We generally distrust politicians, journalists, newsreaders, scientists, and doctors, in that order. Honesty is a personal character trait which holds moral weight. ‘Institutions, conspiracies, and nations’ examines issues related to trusting public figures and public groups, conspiracy theories, and trust in international relations. The boundaries of ‘professional capacity’ can be blurry when someone acts as a professional and speaks for a profession. How do we decide who to trust in the public eye?