The argument from trust
A lie, even a benevolent one, destroys what makes speech possible.
Supports
- When I speak, I tacitly ask the other to believe me; all communication rests on this presumption of sincerity.
- To lie is to exploit that trust in order to lead the other where they would not go if they knew: I then treat them as a to my ends.
- Allow a single exception, and everyone starts to dread the lie told "for their own good": the presumption of sincerity crumbles, and with it the bond that speech weaves.
Therefore The duty of truthfulness is therefore without exception, for it protects not an abstract rule, but the very trust on which our relationships live.
How far does this reasoning convince you?
Not at all
Entirely
Deepenings
And one lie, just this once?
- If everyone allowed themselves to lie whenever it suited them, or even "for the good", no one would believe anyone anymore.
- The lie thus undoes itself the moment it is made a rule: this is why sees in it a wrong that no end, however good, redeems.
How far does this reasoning convince you?
Not at all
Entirely
Put to the test