The chapters examine the evolutionary, historical, social, cultural and psychological origins of trust. The role of cognitive, motivational and affective processes influencing trust is discussed, and the current crisis of trust in Western liberal democracies receives special attention, representing a serious challenge to the survival of liberal democratic societies built on the enlightenment values of rationalism, individualism, humanism and tolerance.
Exploring one of the most intriguing psychological issues that shapes human social life, this book will be of interest both to a lay audience as well as students and researchers interested in all areas relevant to the relationship between human psychology and the social and cultural processes that define our civilization.
Joseph P. Forgas is the Scientia Professor of Social Psychology at the University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia. His research has focussed on the influence of cognitive and emotional factors on social behaviour and judgements. He has published more than 30 books and over 300 articles and book chapters, and he is a frequent contributor to media and online publications on the role of social psychology in understanding contemporary social and political issues. He was awarded the Order of Australia in recognition of his scientific and social contributions, and also received the APS Distinguished Scientific Contribution Award, the Alexander von Humboldt Research Prize (Germany) and a Rockefeller Fellowship.