Trust as an Unguarded Stance

Jason D'Cruz (State University of New York, Albany, Brown University, Yale University)

For those who wish to attend this event in person, please email Elisa Kilbourne ([email protected]) by February 4th to RSVP.

Title: Trust as an Unguarded Stance by Jason D'Cruz (University at Albany)

Abstract: This investigation adopts the unorthodox but fruitful method of developing an account of what it means to “decide to trust” out of an account of distrust. My account of distrust– Distrust as a Defense Stance – models the notion of “deciding to trust” as a series of interpersonal overtures that consists in the stepwise and conspicuous lowering of defenses. The resulting theory of trust– Trust as an Unguarded Stance – centers the encounter of two or more persons in a trusting relationship, thereby recovering the connection elaborated by Annette Baier between trust and intimacy. On the view that emerges, trust and distrust are basic orientations that we take towards people. This departs from thinking about the basic form of trust as “two people and a task“: A trust B to ø.  Trust as an Unguarded Stance accounts for trust’s advantages for efficiency and agential power as well as trust’s significance for our condition as fragile beings whose flourishing and very survival depends on the decency and care of others. 

Topic: Jason D'Cruz Talk

Time: Feb 11, 2022 03:30 PM Eastern Time (US andCanada)

Join Zoom Meeting: https://westernuniversity.zoom.us/j/92402221225

Meeting ID: 924 0222 1225

Passcode: 937406