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Lying: A Brief Introduction to Ethical Considerations

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

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Lying: A Brief Introduction to Ethical Considerations

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  1. 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.

  2. What is a lie? • a statement • speaker knows it’s false • speaker intends audience to believe

  3. 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)

  4. 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.

  5. 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.”

  6. Acceptable(?) 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?

  7. 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.”

  8. 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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