Argument examines deception's intention in lying, proposing a middle ground between opposing views.
Does lying require an intention to deceive? Deceptionists answer ‘Yes’, while Non-Deceptionists answer ‘No’. Non-Deceptionists point to a host of purported counterexamples in support of their position. Deceptionists are left unconvinced. By forging a stronger link between the lying and action theoretic literatures, I offer a new argument against the Deceptionist position. One that must be responded to differently if it is to be countenanced by Deceptionists. I conclude by advancing a promising middle ground between these two positions.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Brian Haas (2026) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: