Is it Morally Worse to Lie or to Mislead? An Exploratory Study

Abstract

This paper begins with linguistic definitions of lying and misleading and analyzes the difference between lying and misleading by comparing them in different contexts. The purpose of introducing the concept of implication at the outset is to help the reader differentiate between lying and misleading. Next, a comparison discussion inside a single conversational setting is presented to ascertain which behavior is ethically worse. This is done by introducing the identical case from real life. This research concludes that, generally speaking, lying is a more morally repugnant act than misleading. In certain instances, lying with the best of intentions is contrasted with misleading in general, and it is discovered that both are ethically acceptable since they are not deliberate and morally justifiable. Whereas misleading with a purpose is compared to ordinary lying, both of which are morally very bad behaviors are objectionable, which could inspire future readers.