Interpretations of the Concept of «trust» in Philosophical Discourse

The article explores the concept of «trust,» drawing on the views of philosophers from antiquity to the present day. It is noted that the concept of «trust» was analyzed in different historical epochs by thinkers such as N.Machiavelli, H.Grotius, J.Locke, T.Hobbes, and I.Kant. In general, they interpreted trust as the moral foundation of any community, which is based on consensual rules governing the functioning of social relations. The main approaches to understanding the essence of trust as both a social and individual phenomenon are identified: trust as a positive mental characteristic of a person is associated with the possibility of relying on another; trust as a result of interaction between subjects; trust as a structural component of social capital; trust as a prerequisite for the realization of social consensus in society. The interrelation of the concept of «trust» with such notions as faith, partnership, freedom, responsibility, and necessity is demonstrated. It is stated that trust is the result of an individual’s free choice, but at the same time, in making this choice, one cannot ignore objective reality, and, as a consequence, the necessity to act in a certain way. It is noted that freedom entails responsibility. Therefore, having freely determined the degree of trust in a particular subject, each person bears personal spiritual and value-based responsibility for the outcomes of such a choice. In general, the responsibility demonstrated by a subject when choosing the level and form of trust depends on the activity in which they are engaged. A value-based comparison of the «culture of trust» and the «culture of distrust» is conducted, and their influence on social relations is revealed. It is substantiated that lies, suspicion, and disrespect, reproduced as foundations of social existence, emerge as ontological parameters of the «culture of distrust» or the «philosophy of suspicion,» which is analyzed through such characteristics as the illusory nature of being, the concealment of true intentions, and the inaccessibility of comprehending the true grounds of human existence. The conclusions state that the concept of «trust» is represented in philosophical discourse as a multi-aspect phenomenon of social and spiritual nature. Trust in the social context strengthens interpersonal bonds, promotes the development of social capital, and elevates the level of spirituality in human communities.