If we could tell when someone was lying would life be better?

Question asked by: mrquestion

Asked on: 12 Jan 2010

This is interesting... if we could tell when someone was lying absolutely then it would certainly make law and order a rather more trivial affair. In that sense it would be great as we would always know we has the right person for the crime: and it might also put people off committing crime if they knew that when the game was up, the game was up.

However, then again it could be argued that the truth is not always desirable. As rare as it may be, there is the classic example of the madman who comes looking for your friend, who is hiding in the closet. Do you tell the madman when he asks where your friend is and consign him/her to a grizzly fate or do you lie for the greater good?
By: knowitall
Replied at: 12 Jan 2010
Rate Answer

Comment or provide your answer to this question
No comments have been added to this question "If we could tell when someone was lying would life be better?".

Ask a New Question

Find out more about Philosophy

Philosophy Questions and Answers

thought experiments Questions and Answers

Next question: If time stopped then started again would we ever know about it?

Become a Member! It's Free >>>

Share on Facebook: On Twitter: Twitter Tweet this!

Question Keywords

lying life someone

More Questions:

How Can Something Come From Nothing?
What Does Deontological Mean?
Discuss Evolutionary Ethics
When Do A Persons Values Come Before Their Own Wants?
Socrates Is Remembered For Saying "the Unexamined Life Is Not Worth Living." Does This Relate To His Decision To Drink The Hemlock And Die As A Capital Crimal?