Lying: Moral Choice in Public and Private Life

By Sissela Bok

Book Overview

Is it ever all right to lie? A philosopher looks at lying and deception in public and private life--in government, medicine, law, academia, journalism, in the family and between friends. Lying is a penetrating and thoughtful examination of one of the most pervasive yet little discussed aspects of our public and private lives. Beginning with the moral questions raised about lying since antiquity, Sissela Bok takes up the justifications offered for all kinds of lies--white lies, lies to the sick and dying, lies of parents to children, lies to enemies, lies to protect clients and peers. The consequences of such lies are then explored through a number of concrete situations in which people are involved, either as liars or as the victims of a lie.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0375705287
• ISBN13: 9780375705281
• Release Date: September 1999
• Publisher: Vintage
• Length: 368 Pages
• Weight: 0.64 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.8" x 7.9"

Customer Reviews

Lying - Or How To Be Honest

In "Lying," Sissela Bok analyzes the mechanics of deceit. She does a masterful job of analyzing the implications, motivations, justifications and rationalizations that precede or follow deceitful acts or passivity that renders a deceitful result or intention. Some may argue that it is a treatise on how to lie, but for me the book has the opposite effect. By shredding the craft of lying to its bare core and singular components, it is easier to know what to avoid--granted one seeks truth. In an age where honesty seems to be treated like a smelly sock, it is refreshing to find an expert who knows the topic so well, and who teaches without preaching. I recommend this book to all. It has stretched my mind. It challenges many of the notions many of us have, and is a good ethical wake-up call for any reader.

Little White Lies

Can any lie be justifiable? Is it ok for a Doctor to lie to a patient, or is it ok for a person to lie - to get out of a date? These scenerios are examined in _Lying_. Bok examines the effects that lying has upon society and individuals.It is rare to read a book, where the author is critical of society because of thier choice to allow and accept little white lies as normal behavior. After finishing this book, the reader can take this information and begin to think of ethical and moral problems in our society and why we accept certain actions.Bok continued choice to tackle ethical issues is a noteworthy endeavor - especially when she writes quality work such as _Lying_.

A staple in moral reasoning.

I read this book years ago and have referred to it in teaching medical students about the ethics of medical practice. With the Clinton-Lewinsky affair, it is time for this book to be ressurected into public awareness. I would like to know Bok's interpretation of Clinton's grand jury testimony and the impact of his "lying" on his ability to conduct the national business.

A seminal book that changed my life

This book is about something we all do but rarely think about - lying. It is densely packed, hard to get through but well worth the effort. It changed the way I thought about lying and told lies, and therefore my life. Even its structure of the discussion about lying around started me thinking in new ways about the topic. The analysis presented was organized and orderly on a topic that deals with much of human interaction.This book is a must read - you will lie less after reading it.

Thought provoking arguments on moral erosion and lying

I found this book thought provoking. Through references, contrasts, and scenarios, Sissela Bok challenges the reader to consider the effects of lying on the individual, relationships and society. The author systematically covers the spectrum of lies from "little white lies" to avoid an unwanted dinner invitation to the arguably moral lies required to survive in a totalitarian state - taking the reader step by step through a journey of increasingly complex moral questions. The book argues that lying, as it is often conducted in society, often lacks the moral basis of those few case where it can be justified.