# Can LLMs Reason About Trust?: A Pilot Study

arXiv: https://arxiv.org/abs/2507.21075 · HTML: https://mlsanity.com/paper/2507.21075/

## Key facts

- Cited by 1 papers in the map (data through 14 Oct 2026).
- Placed in Reasoning benchmarks and evaluation, one of 17 directions in LLM reasoning.
- Builds on 4 of its 19 references that are in the map.
- First posted on arXiv 11 Jun 2025.

## Placed in

- LLM reasoning / [Reasoning benchmarks and evaluation](https://mlsanity.com/lr/reasoning-benchmarks-and-evaluation/)

## Builds on (most cited first, 4 of 4)

- [Generative Agents: Interactive Simulacra of Human Behavior](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2304.03442/) (2023)
- [The Rise and Potential of Large Language Model Based Agents: A Survey](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2309.07864/) (2023)
- [Harnessing the power of LLMs for normative reasoning in MASs](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2403.16524/) (2024)
- [Norm Violation Detection in Multi-Agent Systems using Large Language Models: A Pilot Study](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2403.16517/) (2024)

## Built on by (most cited first, 1 of 1)

- [Evaluating LLM Alignment With Human Trust Models](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2603.05839/) (2026)

## Abstract (arXiv)

In human society, trust is an essential component of social attitude that helps build and maintain long-term, healthy relationships which creates a strong foundation for cooperation, enabling individuals to work together effectively and achieve shared goals. As many human interactions occur through electronic means such as using mobile apps, the potential arises for AI systems to assist users in understanding the social state of their relationships. In this paper we investigate the ability of Large Language Models (LLMs) to reason about trust between two individuals in an environment which requires fostering trust relationships. We also assess whether LLMs are capable of inducing trust by role-playing one party in a trust based interaction and planning actions which can instil trust.