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Lying: A Brief Introduction To Ethical Considerations: Chris Macdonald, PH.D

This document discusses ethical considerations around lying. It defines a lie as a statement where the speaker knows it is false and intends the audience to believe it. Lying is generally considered wrong as it violates autonomy, generates mistrust, and can enable other unethical acts. However, some exceptions are debated, such as bluffing in games or bargaining tactics. The document explores justifications for lying and evaluates grey areas around intention and vagueness.

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Tasvinder Kaur
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103 views8 pages

Lying: A Brief Introduction To Ethical Considerations: Chris Macdonald, PH.D

This document discusses ethical considerations around lying. It defines a lie as a statement where the speaker knows it is false and intends the audience to believe it. Lying is generally considered wrong as it violates autonomy, generates mistrust, and can enable other unethical acts. However, some exceptions are debated, such as bluffing in games or bargaining tactics. The document explores justifications for lying and evaluates grey areas around intention and vagueness.

Uploaded by

Tasvinder Kaur
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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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(?) Deception:
Deception
– 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?

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