Trust is a fundamental part of our lives. It is how we build relationships, allowing us to make commitments and take risks with others. However, a lack of trust can also have significant ramifications. For example, research has shown that people who have a low level of trust in others are more likely to experience stress and depression. So how can we be sure we are trusting the right people?

According to a recent survey commissioned by technical outdoor brand Helly Hansen, there are seven things that can indicate if someone is worthy of your trust. Those include being punctual, not cancelling plans at the last minute and being able to keep secrets. However, there is a more intangible way to determine whether or not someone is trustworthy – and that’s how they treat other people.

A person’s character, integrity and reputation are all key indicators as to whether you can trust them. But the most important question is why you should trust a particular individual or entity at all. This is where the philosophical debate comes in, with most philosophers agreeing that trust can only be justified if it has an intrinsic value (i.e., if it produces goods that can’t be produced independently of it).

There is also some disagreement over what sort of things you might consider when justifying your trust in a particular individual or entity. For instance, some philosophers have argued that trust is only possible if the person you are relying on is capable of behaving appropriately and in a way that is consistent with your expectations for them.

In addition, most philosophers would argue that you must be willing to feel betrayed by the person you are relying on, but that you can only feel this way if your reliance is warranted. This is where the epistemology of trust comes in, and this is where the philosophical debate has raged for decades (e.g., Govier 1997; Goldman 1999).

While there is much debate in philosophy about trust, there are some things that most of us can agree on. For example, all forms of trust require some degree of vulnerability to be justified, and a willingness to feel betrayed in order for your reliance to have any value.

If you are considering adding a trust to your estate plan, be sure to consult with a qualified financial advisor or attorney. They can help ensure that you set up your trust with all the necessary safeguards in place to protect your assets and your family’s interests in the future. Trusts can offer a number of benefits, including the ability to specify precisely when and to whom distributions should be made while you are still alive. They can also prevent your assets from being subject to probate, potentially saving time and money for your heirs. And, depending on the type of trust you create, your assets may be shielded from creditors of your heirs.