What does it mean to trust blockchain technology?

【Author】 Teng, Yan

【Source】METAPHILOSOPHY

【影响因子】0.000

【Abstract】This paper argues that the widespread belief that interactions between blockchains and their users are trust-free is inaccurate and misleading, since this belief not only overlooks the vital role played by trust in the lack of knowledge and control but also conceals the moral and normative relevance of relying on blockchain applications. The paper reaches this argument by providing a close philosophical examination of the concept referred to as trust in blockchain technology, clarifying the trustor group, the structure, and the normatively loaded nature of this trust relation. The paper ends by critically reflecting on two of the most promising values (decentralization and transparency) that can invite users' trust in blockchain technology, arguing that there is a tension between the pressing values that are intended to be achieved by developers and the predicament situations caused by current blockchain implementations.

【Keywords】blockchain technology; blockchain trust; ethics and philosophy of blockchain; ethics of trust; trust and trustworthiness; trust technology

【发表时间】

【收录时间】2022-11-30

【文献类型】观点阐述

【主题类别】

区块链技术-核心技术-共识机制