Encyclopedia of Opinion
Question
Is lying ever justified?
Position1 of 2›

Yes, lying can be justified

This position holds that lying can sometimes be justified. It argues that deception is at times needed to protect privacy and safety, that prosocial 'white lies' spare others' feelings and preserve relationships, and that lying to shield loved ones from harm can outweigh strict honesty.

Supporting arguments · 5

  1. People in positions of power aren't always allowed to tell the truth
    Those in power have bigger friends, but also stronger enemies. It's a coveted position people have that others long for. There are things in this world that are a need to know basis. A decision meant for the country or the entire world can not be answered instantly or with all the details they want.
  2. Sometimes lying is necessary to maintain privacy and safety
    Everyone has the right to keep secrets about themselves. We should not be obliged to be truthful when we feel uncomfortable or endangered by telling the truth, so lying can be a necessary form of self-protection.
  3. Lying can be prosocial
    Lying can be motivated by kindness and create trust, and therefore is an essential part of a harmonious society.
  4. Acting is another form of lying
    The difference between an actor and a liar is that you're aware one is already lying. Acting has been a form of entertainment for ages. The popularity of things like Netflix speaks for itself. As a form of lying though it's intentions are almost always geared towards entertainment.
  5. Sometimes lying can protect loved ones
    Lies are thought of as traps people fall into but sometimes people use them as shields. Maybe it doesn't work out the way they thought it would or wanted it to but the intention matters. When you care about someone, wanting to protect them isn't wrong. The execution of that protection though can be.