Social Trust and Human Communities

Many sociologists have maintained that trust is the glue of social life. Trudy Govier confirms this view in a sustained discussion of the concept and contexts of trust, showing that trust is more significant and more prevalent than is usually assumed. She argues that social bonding is built on trust and maintains that trust is essential if we are to live ethically, responsibly, and well.

Govier offers a general account of trust in a variety of social contexts and explores the negative effect...