Immanuel Kant

Reasons for Kant's Belief that there are No Exceptions to the Duty Not to Lie

Lying involves making a statement that is largely untruthful. Kant believes that there can be no exceptions to the duty not to lie - regardless of the consequences. For instance, he argues that it is wrong to lie to a would-be murderer, in order to save the life of an innocent child. In this case, the would-be murderer has set out on a murder course, and hence forfeited his own right. Lying to him would amount to violation of his rights. Kant's view is that any lie, regardless of circumstances, disregards goodwill, goes against the motive and principle of duty, and is not in conformity with the universality principle.

With regard to lying and goodwill, it should be noted that in life, "we have to struggle against unruly impulses and desires; a good...
[ View Full Essay]