A Philosophy of Lying

Description

This book is a comprehensive investigation of lying in everyday life. What exactly is a lie, and how does lying differ from related phenomena such as 'bullshit' or being truthful? Lars Svendsen also investigates the ethics of lying - why is lying almost always morally wrong, and why is lying to one's friends especially bad? The book concludes by looking at lying in politics, from Plato's theory of the 'noble lie' to Donald Trump. Svendsen's conclusion is that, even though we all occasionally lie, we are for the most part trustworthy. Trusting others makes you vulnerable, and you will be duped from time to time, but that is - all things considered - preferable to living in a constant state of distrust.

Lars Svendsen is Professor in the Department of Philosophy, University of Bergen, Norway. He is the author of many books for Reaktion including A Philosophy of Boredom (2004) and A Philosophy of Loneliness (2017).

"Svendsen writes for a popular audience, offering an engaging introduction to philosophical thought on the nature and ethics of lying. . . . Svendsen's examples are vivid and his writing is both animated and accessible--a credit to the translator, Matt Bagguley, as well. Some of the analysis is quite contentious, and readers may find that their intuitions about cases do not align with those of the author, but working out why is part of the fun of engaging with work in practical ethics such as this. We come to moral philosophy for guidance, but also, perhaps, stimulation: an opportunity for thought and friction."-- "Times Literary Supplement" "'It is better to be fooled occasionally than to go through life with . . . chronic distrust, ' writes philosopher Svendsen in this clever take on lying and telling the truth. . . . And though people can be dishonest, Svendsen remains hopeful that serial lying is an anomaly. His reflections are nuanced, his conclusions smart, and he keeps things free of academic jargon. Philosophy-minded readers will find this an enjoyable and enlightening study."-- "Publishers Weekly" "What are we to do if we confront lying honestly? . . . Svendsen gives us ready access to the thought of the best and brightest in the philosophical tradition, and he does so with wit, charm, and clarity. But he gives us more than that. He offers considerate advice on questions of utmost importance to living well in a world where lying is a fact."--Jeffrey Kosky, professor of religion, Washington & Lee University, Virginia