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A total prohibition against lying is also ethically…

“A total prohibition against lying is also ethically incoherent in anyone but a true pacifist.” quote by Sam Harris
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““A total prohibition against lying is also ethically incoherent in anyone but a true pacifist.””

Sam Harris

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

A total ban on lying is ethically inconsistent except for true pacifists, highlighting the complexity of moral absolutism.

In simple terms: Absolute lying bans conflict with ethics.

Key Takeaway

Balance honesty with context.

Themes

ethics truth pacifism

Mood

thoughtful critical

Type

philosophical debate

When to use this quote

  • legal policy
  • philosophical debate
  • personal integrity

Key Concepts

absolutism lie ethical consistency

Questions to Reflect On

  • When is lying justified?
  • How do pacifists reconcile truth‑telling?
A Different Perspective

Absolute honesty may cause harm.

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