This document discusses the importance and effects of truth-telling and lying. It begins by outlining the long history and importance placed on truth in human civilization from ancient codes like the Code of Hammurabi to modern oaths. It then defines truth-telling as communicating information one believes to be true, and outlines its importance for making informed decisions, demonstrating respect, building trust, and enabling democracy. The document defines a lie as intentionally deceiving through untrue information with the goal of misleading. It discusses how lies harm both the person lied to by depriving them of control and potentially causing wrong decisions, as well as harming the liar through needing to remember lies and risking loss of credibility if exposed.

1. Assoc. Prof. Rachel E. Khan
Journalism Department, College of Mass Communication
University of the Philippines, Diliman

2. L. Day:
“The commitment to truth is perhaps the most
ancient and revered ethical principle of human
civilization.”
2500 BC Babylon: Code of Hammurabi
33 AD: Judeo-Christian “Thou shalt not bear false
witness against thy neighbor.”
Today, Oath-taking in Judicial courts:
“Do you swear to tell the truth and nothing but
the truth?”

3. WHAT IS TRUTH-TELLING?
• Oxford definition: The communication of information
that one believes to be true.
Def’n (Aristotle):
1. The agreement of the mind with reality
2. The agreement of the mind with what is
utterred/written.
“Plato is dear to me but dearer
still is truth” -- Aristotle

4. IMPORTANCE OF TRUTH-TELLING*:
1. Truth is integral to all communication
because, as rational beings, we depend
on it to make informed decisions.
• Journalists should bear in mind that
inaccurate or untruthful information
violates the viewer’s right to truthful
information and undermines his freedom.
*Source: Louis Day, Mass Media Ethics, Wadsworth

5. IMPORTANCE OF TRUTH-TELLING:
• This is because he would not have the tools to
make an informed decision; or worse, he would be
making a decision based on false information.
2. A commitment to truth demonstrates a respect
for persons as equals rather than tools to be
manipulated.
• Deception is done in self-interest.
3. Truthfulness in communication builds trust.
4. Truth is essential in a democratic process.

6. WHAT IS A LIE*?
• Lying is a form of deception, but not
all forms of deception are lies.
• Lying is giving some information
while believing it to be untrue,
intending to deceive by doing so.
*Source:
“Lying; Moral Choice in Public and Private Life”
by Sisela Bok
• A lie has 3 essential features:
 A lie communicates some information
 The liar intends to deceive or mislead
 The liar believes that what they are 'saying' is not
true

7. WHAT HARM DO LIES DO?
EFFECTS ON THE PERSON/S LIED TO:
They are deprived of some control over their future
because:
 They can no longer make an informed choice
about the issue concerned
 They are not fully informed about their possible
courses of action
 They may make a decision that they would not
otherwise have made
In mass media, the audience may suffer damages as a
result of the misinformation (e.g. buying the wrong
stocks, panic and paranoia, etc.)

8. EFFECTS ON THE LIAR:
•The person who intentionally released false information
will also suffer the consequences of his actions:
 He has to remember the lies he's told
 He must act in conformity with the lies
 He may have to tell more lies to avoid being found
out
 He has to be wary of those he's lied to
 His long-term credibility is at risk
 He will probably suffer harm if he's found out
• If he's found out, people are more likely to lie to
him
• If he's found out he's less likely to be believed in
future.

9. Point to ponder:
Is there such a thing as a “good lie”?
Can we say that there can be a “morally correct”
reason to lie?