Discussion: Lying to Persuade Another
Saturday November 4, 2006
A forum member writes: We all agree that, in normal circumstances, a lie is always a bad idea. But I am looking at the curious case where a lie could benefit someone. I don't mean the Ann Frank example, I mean a commercial transaction, or political or medical decision. Where person 'A' knows much more than person 'B', and person 'B' is seriously confused. If person 'B' is likely to make a disastrously bad decision, would 'A' be justified in telling a lie to persuade 'B'?
This is an interesting question. At first glance, it seems like that could be situations where it would be reasonable to lie to a person in order to get them to do something that is definitely in their best interest but they wouldn't be able to understand. On the other hand, doesn't this deny them the right to autonomy and choice? Read More...
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