A Question of Trust
The BBC Reith Lectures 2002

In this 2002 book, Onora O'Neill investigates sources of deception in our society and re-examines questions of press freedom.

Onora O'Neill (Author)

9780521529969, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 6 June 2002

110 pages
21.6 x 14 x 0.6 cm, 0.13 kg

'… a stimulating and lively read …'. Practical Philosophy

We say we can no longer trust our public services, institutions or the people who run them. The professionals we have to rely on - politicians, doctors, scientists, businessmen and many others - are treated with suspicion. Their word is doubted, their motives questioned. Whether real or perceived, this crisis of trust has a debilitating impact on society and democracy. Can trust be restored by making people and institutions more accountable? Or do complex systems of accountability and control themselves damage trust? Onora O'Neill challenges current approaches, investigates sources of deception in our society and re-examines questions of press freedom. 2002's Reith Lectures present a philosopher's view of trust and deception, and ask whether and how trust can be restored in a modern democracy.

1. Spreading suspicion
2. Trust and terror
3. Called to account
4. Trust and transparency
5. Licence to deceive?

Subject Areas: Medical administration & management [MBPM], Medical ethics & professional conduct [MBDC], Business ethics & social responsibility [KJG], Regional government [JPR], Political structures: democracy [JPHV], Sociology [JHB], Social & political philosophy [HPS], Ethics & moral philosophy [HPQ]