Final answer:
Empirical trust is a form of trust based on the congruence of a person's statements with observable facts. It relies on the principle of empiricism, where evidence through repeated observation upholds the credibility of a testimony, particularly in scientific and academic contexts.
Step-by-step explanation:
A type of trust that is formed by observing that a person's truthfulness is supported by observable facts is called empirical trust. This concept is rooted in the idea of empiricism, which emphasizes that knowledge should be grounded in objective, tangible evidence that can be substantiated through repeated observation. In social epistemology, which deals with the collective dimensions of knowledge acquisition, where we often rely on the testimony of experts and authorities, it is crucial that their claims are empirically supported to be deemed credible and worthy of trust.
Ensuring that a person's statements align with observable facts allows us to distinguish between mere opinion and verifiable knowledge. Testimony based on empirical evidence is considered to be more reliable and enables us to form justified true beliefs about the world. This type of trust is essential in scientific, academic, and professional environments where accuracy and evidence-based practices are fundamental.