On a Supposed Right to Lie from Philanthropy
Kant responds to Benjamin Constant by denying that an expected benefit can ground a right deliberately to falsify a declaration.
Understanding the text
This short juridical essay should not be equated without examination with the whole moral doctrine of truthfulness.
Key points
- 01
Declaration
The reliability of declarative exchange is treated as a condition of a legal order.
- 02
Consequences
Uncertain effects complicate justifying a lie solely through its anticipated outcome.
- 03
Hard case
The murderer-at-the-door example states a much-disputed view, including among Kantian readers.
How to read it
Reconstruct the disagreement with Constant precisely. Distinguish lying, silence, coercion and legally relevant declarations before generalizing the argument to every situation.
Editions & sources
Summaries and key points are original editorial interpretations. They accompany reading the work and do not replace an edition of the text. Editorial method ↗