In all these cases it is a characteristic mark of civilizing trust that it incorporates an element of reflexivity. Trust is not concerned with knowing the essential truth about a matter but with the success of the reduction of complexity, with the fact that the taking of the risk involved has proved itself in social life and thus becomes a motivating force, which yields further attestation. Trust is concerned with itself in so far as it is necessary to ensure its ability to extend the fulfilment of its function. And in this form it can achieve more; it can absorb more uncertainty with less risk.

DEFINE: Defines civilizing trust as reflexive, complexity-reducing risk absorption rather than truth-seeking. Trust's success is measured by social efficacy, not accuracy.

Niklas Luhmann, Trust and Power, loc. 258