Bok's Definition Of Lie Essay

When it comes to Bok’s definition of a lie it can be reduced into a simple equation in which an individual communicates, in any form, deception to another individual in which the communicator has the intent for deception. The benefits gained from synthesizing a universal definition of lie benefits cohesion in a society and decreases confusion in morality. The same benefits can be accomplished by steps created to identify the justification for a lie and the differences compared to excuses. The difficulty in obtaining a concise definition that encompasses all possible scenarios is a daunting task; “Why tackle such a choice when there are so many abstract questions of meaning and definition, of classification and structure, which remain to challenge the imagination?” To that end Bok’s attempt to reduce the meaning of a lie to a definition only a few sentences long seems to strain the goal she is trying to achieve.

When it comes to justified lies Bok examines several different aspects involving the justification of lying. Bok states; “an excuse seeks to extenuate, sometimes to remove the blame

Kant illustrates the point on damage of veracity by stating; “by a lie a man throws away, as it were, annihilates his dignity as a man” (Page 46). Taking in other factors such as the positive and negative effect one must also examine the consequences concerning if the lie is found out and the possible damage to the individuals veracity, including larger examinations on the impacts on society. For instance, does the individual have such a connection to society that if veracity is harmed in anyway could impact more than just those confined to the scenario themselves? After all these questions are asked the person telling the lie has an increased chance in determining whether or not a reasonable society would come to the conclusion that the lie is