TRUST IN PUBLIC AUTHORITIES AS AN ETHICAL ISSUE

Abstract

This paper is an attempt to consider trust in terms of contemporary communicative ethics and its socio-philosophical context. Trust in state power is analyzed according to the theoretical principles of communicative philosophy (J. Habermas and K.-O. Apel). It is suggested that trust in state power is a prerequisite for a harmonious development of society. Trust is seen as a determinant contributing to the formation and disclosure of meaningful components of the dialogue between government and civil society institutions, which takes place on the basis of compliance with social norms such as responsibility, justice, tolerance, mutual understanding, equality and respect. It is argued that trust in the government is the most important factor in socio-political relations, the role of which has become increasingly important in recent years. As globalization develops, trust in power becomes more in demand, as its interests effectively co-ordinate the interests of world policy actors. Trust not only reduces transaction costs and strengthens international cooperation, but also builds new quality of relationships.