Lying and Ethics in Kant's Teaching

PDF (ελληνικά)
Published: Mar 25, 2020
DOI: https://doi.org/10.12681/ethiki.22653
Keywords:
Immanuel Kant; Deontology; Lying (Pseudologia); Categorical Imperative; Truthfulness; Ethics; Moral Duty; Philanthropy
Maria Laiou
Abstract

This article explores the ethical dimensions of lying within the framework of Immanuel Kant's deontological theory. The author addresses the universal human dilemma between truth-telling and deception, questioning what constitutes moral action in various circumstances. The study focuses on Kant's rigorous stance, particularly his controversial essay On a Supposed Right to Lie from Philanthropy, where he argues that truthfulness is an unconditional duty (categorical imperative) that cannot be waived even for benevolent reasons. The paper analyzes the distinction between "internal" lies (to oneself) and "external" lies (to others), and evaluates the legal and moral consequences of deception. By examining Kantian concepts such as the "humanity as an end in itself" and the "universal law," the author highlights why Kant views lying as an assault on human dignity and the foundation of justice. The article concludes by discussing modern critiques and interpretations of Kant's uncompromising position on truth-telling.

Article Details
  • Section
  • Articles

Authors who publish with this journal agree to the following terms:

  1. Authors retain copyright and grant the journal the right of first publication, with the work simultaneously licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). This license allows others to share and adapt the work, provided that the work's authorship and initial publication in this journal are properly acknowledged.
  2. Authors are permitted and encouraged to enter into separate, additional contractual arrangements for the non-exclusive distribution of the journal's published version of the work (e.g., post it to an institutional repository or publish it in a book), with an acknowledgement of its initial publication in this journal.
  3. Authors are permitted and encouraged to post their work online (e.g., in institutional repositories or on their personal websites) prior to and during the submission process, as it can lead to productive exchanges, as well as earlier and greater citation of published work (See The Effect of Open Access).
Downloads
Download data is not yet available.
References
Acton, Harry Burrows. Kants Moral Philosophy. London: Macmillan; St Martin's Press, 1970.
Curzer, Howard J. Ethical Theory and Moral Problems. Canada: Wadsworth Publishing Company, 1999.
Darwall, Stephen. Deontology. Blackwell Publishing, 2003.
Griffiths, A. Phillips. Ethics. Royal Institute of Philosophy Supplement 35. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1993.
Kant, Immanuel. Die Metaphysik der Sitten. Kants gesammelte Schriften. Berlin: Akademie der Wissenschaften, Walter de Gruyter, n.d.
Kant, Immanuel. Foundations of the Metaphysics of Morals [Τα Θεμέλια της Μεταφυσικής των Ηθών]. Translated and edited by Giannis Tzavaras. Athens – Ioannina: Dodoni, 1984.
Paionidis, Filimon. Lying and Ethics [Ψευδολογία και Ηθική]. Thessaloniki: Vanias, 1994.
Papanoutsos, Evangelos P. Ethics [Ηθική]. Vol. 1. 5th ed. Athens – Ioannina: Dodoni, 1985.
Paton, Herbert James. “An Alleged Right to Lie: A Problem in Kantian Ethics.” Kant-Studien 45, no. 1-4 (1953–1954).
Paton, Herbert James. The Categorical Imperative. London: Hutchinson of London, 1970.
Pelegrinis, Theodosios. Dictionary of Philosophy [Λεξικό της Φιλοσοφίας]. Athens: Ellinika Grammata, 2004.
Ross, David (Sir). Kant's Ethical Theory: A Commentary on the Grundlegung zur Metaphysik der Sitten. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1965.
Sterba, James P. Ethics: The Big Questions. Notre Dame, IN: Blackwell Publishers, 1998.
Voreas, Theofilos. Ethics [Ηθική]. Vol. 4, Academica. Athens: Organismos Ekdoseos Didaktikon Vivlion, 1957.
Walker, Ralph. Kant and the Moral Law [Ο Καντ και ο Ηθικός Νόμος]. Translated by Lena Theodoridou. Athens: Enalios, 2003.
Warburton, Nigel. Philosophy: The Basics [Φιλοσοφία: Τα Βασικά Ζητήματα]. Athens: Periplous, 1999.
Windelband, Wilhelm, and Heinz Heimsoeth. A History of Philosophy [Εγχειρίδιο Ιστορίας της Φιλοσοφίας]. Vol. 3, German Philosophy. Translated by Nikolaos M. Skouteropoulos. 2nd ed. Athens: National Bank of Greece Cultural Foundation, 1991.
Wood, Allen W. Kant. Blackwell Publishing, 2005.