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On the morality of deception--does method matter? A reply to David Bakhurst
1University of Leeds.
Journal of Medical Ethics
|September 1, 1993
Summary
Lying is morally distinct from other deceptions because it uniquely endangers trust. While other deceptive strategies may infringe autonomy, lying specifically abuses patient trust, unlike other intentional deceptions.
Area of Science:
- Moral Philosophy
- Bioethics
- Linguistics
Background:
- The moral significance of deception methods is debated.
- David Bakhurst challenges the view that the method of deception matters morally.
- Clarification is needed on what constitutes a lie versus other deceptions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To counter criticisms regarding the moral significance of lying.
- To clarify the definition of a lie.
- To explore the specific moral wrongness of lying compared to other deceptions.
Main Methods:
- Conceptual analysis of deception and trust.
- Distinguishing lying from other deceptive strategies.
- Ethical examination of autonomy and trust in patient interactions.
Main Results:
- Lying is morally significant because it endangers trust.
- Other deceptive stratagems do not endanger trust to the same extent as lying.
- Lying to patients constitutes an abuse of trust.
Conclusions:
- The method of deception carries distinct moral weight.
- Lying's primary moral failing is its erosion of trust.
- While other deceptions can infringe autonomy, lying uniquely harms trust, particularly in healthcare settings.