by Barbra Wardle

Fine Arts and Graphics

When we discuss lies and lying we are really discussing truth as well. As we try to determine when to tell the truth and when to lie, it is obvious that there are different opinions on when to lie, and why. Many are willing to lie to prevent harm, or to make others feel better. Others are very willing to lie to gain an advantage in business or in personal relationships. There are some who refuse to admit that they would ever lie, or indeed that they had ever lied to anyone about anything. The most obvious conclusion is that the line between truth and lie is different for different people.

If we look to philosophy for guidance about when or when not to lie, we can look at Kant's a priori principle, "don't lie" wherein there in never a reason to lie. Truth must be told at all times, even if a lie would provide a better end. For some, this view is the only acceptable rule for life, in that to tell the truth is right and to lie is wrong, no matter what the result. For those who disagree with Kant's model, John Stuart Mill's principle of the greater good might provide an answer to the problem of when to lie. One may need to lie when such a lie will provide the greater good or happiness for the greater number.

For the rest of us, we may well follow the example of Mark Twain in his essay, "On the Decay of the Art of Lying," when he tells us that, "No fact is more firmly established than lying is a necessity of our circumstances--the deduction that lying is then a virtue goes without saying." Today, many agree with Twain's tongue-in-cheek belief that lying is a part of the fabric of life, and that they only criteria is that we do it well. We teach children to lie when they hear us lie for each other..."John is not here;" when John really is there, he just doesn't want to talk. We lie casually about almost anything, and often for almost no reason. The benevolent lie is used as an excuse for justification of their lies, until it is easier to lie than to tell the truth.

When one chooses not to lie, period, he/she becomes an oddity. A person refusing to lie to or for others is rare. It takes constant, conscious effort to always be truthful. It also takes time for others to believe that you will never lie, that you are always truthful.

Questions:

Is it ethical to lie? When?

Is a "white lie" more permissable?

Can you lie by saying nothing?

Is life easier when you lie?