Lying: A Brief Introduction to Ethical

Considerations

Chris MacDonald, Ph.D.(chrismac@ethicsweb.ca)

This presentation was found at: www.businessethics.ca

Feel free to use this presentation. I maintain no copyright. Credit, however, would be appreciated.

What is a lie?

– a statement– speaker knows it’s false– speaker intends audience to believe

What’s wrong with lying?

– violates autonomy, right to self-direction (deception gives power to the deceiver)

– generates mistrust, so reduces usefulness of communication

– a lie can also be a way to do something else unethical

– Further harm: to the liar (loss of reputation, loss of self-respect, more lies likely – they begin to seem necessary & easy)

Lying is generally considered wrong, until shown to be justified.

– The burden of proof is on the person doing the lying.

– “Other things being equal,” it’s wrong/unethical to lie.

Justifying Lies / Giving Excuses

– “It’s not really lying.”– “It’s for the greater good.” (individual

or group)– “Everyone does it. It’s part of the

game.” (business, taxes)– “It was just something convenient to

say.”– “I have to in order to get what I’m

owed.”

Acceptable(?) DeceptionDeception:

– bluffing in poker?– bargaining/haggling over prices?– What a lovely gift! Nice sweater! I

love your new haircut!– Santa Claus?– advertising?– job applications?– taxes?

Grey Areas

• What if the claim is vague?• What if the speaker only sort of

intends to deceive?

• Is that really “a lie”?– We can evaluate the action without

deciding if it’s “a lie.”

Questions to Consider:

– Does telling a lie automatically make someome a liar? Or does that require a pattern?

– Does telling a lie remove all credibility?