Abstract
We present our theory on trust and its components and dimensions, and apply it to trust in complex dynamic socio-technical systems and to their self-organising emergent results. Specifically, we apply our theory to ICT-based systems, where a “Social Order” is no longer fully “spontaneous” due to the invisible hand impinging on individual and selfish-decisions. In such contexts, a social order is rather based on programmed interactions, algorithmic procedures and big data. Since trust cannot be fully programmable and predictable, how can we build it in this complex and dynamic system? Some of our research questions sound: is it necessary that folks “understand” the underlying mechanisms they are relying on? What kind of information about forecasts or future projections should be provided and adjusted? What kind of role do simulation, serious games play on learning to understand and expect? Will there be algorithms working on the micro-processes and producing the emergent organisation, and if yes, how effective and reliable will they be? There are at least two different levels of trust in complex systems and in their functioning processes: trust in the emergent order and trust in the micro-layer rules. Are the systems rules and resulting equilibriums fair, equity inspired, in relation to the interests of the involved groups/subjects? A complex and cognitive model of trust is needed for this analysis.
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Notes
- 1.
Consider for example the excellent definition of “Organic Computing System” in Müller-Schloer’s document on “Organic Computing Initiative” (2004): an “Organic Computing system is a technical system which adapts dynamically to the current conditions of its environment. It is self-organising, self-configuring, self-optimising, self-healing, self-protecting, self-explaining, and context-aware”. See also [3–8].
- 2.
We also agree with the main claims there: [what matters is] “the human as the user of self-organising and self-adaptive systems and the usability of such systems”; “Functional correctness, security, safety, and reliability are facets that have to be ensured for the system’s components as well as for the system as a whole. The classical notions of trust and reputation in MAS also apply to this relationship between system components. The relationship between the system and the user is influenced by the transparency and consistency of the system towards the user and most importantly by its usability, i.e. the way the user is informed about self-organising processes and is allowed to interact with the system.”. However, we see additional problems in this, like the participatory and hybrid nature of the system, or the hidden interests of the “spontaneous” order.
- 3.
Consider the celebrated sentence of Epicurus: “It is not our friends’ help that helps us, it is the confidence of their help.”
- 4.
To see how strong such identification was, see for example [21]; the review of “Trust on the Internet”, a book on Internet security, which focuses solely on the topic of security.
- 5.
Not only the design is never neutral but is in favour of the interests of one party over another, with conflicting interests [23], but also the algorithms managing a MA equilibria and dynamics have the same – but more hidden – feature.
- 6.
“Kripta” is the nice term – introduced by Bacharach and Gambetta [24] – to explain that trust presupposes and it is ascribed to some non-observable, hidden ‘quality’ of the trustee. We can observe her/his/its behaviour (“manifesta”) but we rely on its control-devices. In our model, the “internal” attribution of trust and its ascription to ‘inner’ qualities are particularly important: they can be motivational (e.g. honesty, values, or friendship), cognitive (e.g. expertise, or competence), and also performative (e.g. skills).
- 7.
See also the so called “Algorithmic Economy”; e.g. http://www.forbes.com/forbes/welcome/; http://blogs.gartner.com/peter-sondergaard/the-internet-of-things-will-give-rise-to-the-algorithm-economy/
- 8.
On the possible usefulness of violations in any organisation, see [25].
- 9.
In the paper on “Making visible the invisible hand” [27] the title of a section sounds “The pseudo-spontaneous order”; despite its rhetorical efficacy, in the text there is no claim that the emerging social order is fully “manoeuvred”.
- 10.
According to us, the authors are a bit optimistic as for: (i) the computational governance of complex and self-organising hybrid systems; (ii) the role of cooperation, common interests, social capital, etc. whereby they ignore the crucial and positive role of ‘conflicts’.
- 11.
For the use of simulation to test collective decision making models see in this book Ch. 17 Lucas and Payne.
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Castelfranchi, C., Falcone, R. (2016). Trust & Self-Organising Socio-technical Systems. In: Reif, W., et al. Trustworthy Open Self-Organising Systems. Autonomic Systems. Birkhäuser, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-29201-4_8
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