'Lying is communication with the intention of creating a false belief.'
But is lying good or bad? Well I think that it all depends on the type of lie. If it's a little white lie to protect someone's feelings; then I think it's okay. But when it comes to much bigger, more serious lies then there not so okay.
Something as basic as saying you didn't have the last slice of pizza when you did is just a silly lie But telling your girlfriend or boyfriend you didn't sleep with someone else when you did is a lot more serious. Not only because you've betrayed them; but you're continuing to lead them to believe that they're in a loving, trusting relationship.
Another way to look at lying; is the old 'cry wolf' story. If someone continues to lie about something when it isn't true and they get found out; other people will find it difficult to believe that person when something really does happen. So I suppose in that case it is bad to lie.
So why do people lie? To gain some benefit? To get themselves out of something? There's lots of different reasons. People lie to their parents so they don't get in trouble, an individual may say that they've slept with more people than they have to look good infront of their friends.
However; there comes a problem when someone begins to lie to themselves. An easy example would be; someone continuely telling themselves that there's no problem with a relationship they're in-maintaining the idea that there's nothing wrong in their relationship, maybe because they love that other person so much they don't want to let them go. But with situations like this there comes a time when one has to stop lying to themselves and face reality. This can be difficult for the individual; hence why in some cases it is easier to just continue lying to yourself.
If someone doesn't tell the 'whole' story-is this lying? It's keeping the truth from someone, so surely it is lying? But if it's to protect someone, I feel that this is okay.
Something else to consider is in the case of lying on CVs; is this right? It could mean that you unfairly get a job that was meant for someone else just because you 'appear' to have the qualifications required. In this case it can only be to gain personal benefits, hence being a selfish reason to lie.
So in conclusion; is lying good or bad? I suppose it all depends on the degree of lying and the reasons behind it.
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