Countercurrent: conversations with Professor Roger Kneebone cover image

Countercurrent: conversations with Professor Roger Kneebone

Onora O’Neill in conversation with Roger Kneebone

Jul 18, 2022
Onora O’Neill, a revered moral philosopher and Emeritus Professor at the University of Cambridge, shares her insights on trustworthiness in the digital age. They discuss the erosion of trust in politics and how misinformation complicates rational discourse. O’Neill highlights the importance of assessing information provenance amidst today's overwhelming digital landscape. The conversation also touches on the evolution of communication from Plato's time to modern interactions, stressing the need for personal connections when navigating trust.
01:04:24

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The distinction between trust and trustworthiness underscores the need for an analytical approach to evaluating individuals and institutions, rather than accepting claims uncritically.
  • Societal trust in professions, particularly in medicine, has evolved due to incidents of malpractice, fostering a growing skepticism towards professionals over time.

Deep dives

The Emphasis on Trustworthiness Over Trust

The conversation emphasizes the important distinction between trust and trustworthiness, advocating for a thoughtful and informed approach to placing trust in individuals and institutions. Trustworthiness involves assessing the reliability and competence of a source rather than just accepting its claims at face value. This is particularly relevant in today's world, where persuasive efforts often prioritize gaining trust for marketing goals, potentially undermining genuine credibility. The discussion suggests that a more analytical approach to trust is necessary, especially as information sources become increasingly distant and fragmented.

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