Speech Matters

On Lying, Morality, and the Law

Nonfiction, Religion & Spirituality, Philosophy, Ethics & Moral Philosophy
Cover of the book Speech Matters by Seana Valentine Shiffrin, Princeton University Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Seana Valentine Shiffrin ISBN: 9781400852529
Publisher: Princeton University Press Publication: December 28, 2014
Imprint: Princeton University Press Language: English
Author: Seana Valentine Shiffrin
ISBN: 9781400852529
Publisher: Princeton University Press
Publication: December 28, 2014
Imprint: Princeton University Press
Language: English

To understand one another as individuals and to fulfill the moral duties that require such understanding, we must communicate with each other. We must also maintain protected channels that render reliable communication possible, a demand that, Seana Shiffrin argues, yields a prohibition against lying and requires protection for free speech. This book makes a distinctive philosophical argument for the wrong of the lie and provides an original account of its difference from the wrong of deception.

Drawing on legal as well as philosophical arguments, the book defends a series of notable claims—that you may not lie about everything to the "murderer at the door," that you have reasons to keep promises offered under duress, that lies are not protected by free speech, that police subvert their mission when they lie to suspects, and that scholars undermine their goals when they lie to research subjects.

Many philosophers start to craft moral exceptions to demands for sincerity and fidelity when they confront wrongdoers, the pressures of non-ideal circumstances, or the achievement of morally substantial ends. But Shiffrin consistently resists this sort of exceptionalism, arguing that maintaining a strong basis for trust and reliable communication through practices of sincerity, fidelity, and respecting free speech is an essential aspect of ensuring the conditions for moral progress, including our rehabilitation of and moral reconciliation with wrongdoers.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

To understand one another as individuals and to fulfill the moral duties that require such understanding, we must communicate with each other. We must also maintain protected channels that render reliable communication possible, a demand that, Seana Shiffrin argues, yields a prohibition against lying and requires protection for free speech. This book makes a distinctive philosophical argument for the wrong of the lie and provides an original account of its difference from the wrong of deception.

Drawing on legal as well as philosophical arguments, the book defends a series of notable claims—that you may not lie about everything to the "murderer at the door," that you have reasons to keep promises offered under duress, that lies are not protected by free speech, that police subvert their mission when they lie to suspects, and that scholars undermine their goals when they lie to research subjects.

Many philosophers start to craft moral exceptions to demands for sincerity and fidelity when they confront wrongdoers, the pressures of non-ideal circumstances, or the achievement of morally substantial ends. But Shiffrin consistently resists this sort of exceptionalism, arguing that maintaining a strong basis for trust and reliable communication through practices of sincerity, fidelity, and respecting free speech is an essential aspect of ensuring the conditions for moral progress, including our rehabilitation of and moral reconciliation with wrongdoers.

More books from Princeton University Press

Cover of the book On Victory and Defeat by Seana Valentine Shiffrin
Cover of the book Social Trends in American Life by Seana Valentine Shiffrin
Cover of the book How Do You Feel? by Seana Valentine Shiffrin
Cover of the book Kierkegaard's Writings, XXIII, Volume 23 by Seana Valentine Shiffrin
Cover of the book The Impression of Influence by Seana Valentine Shiffrin
Cover of the book The Russian People and Foreign Policy by Seana Valentine Shiffrin
Cover of the book Quantum Field Theory in a Nutshell by Seana Valentine Shiffrin
Cover of the book Avian Architecture by Seana Valentine Shiffrin
Cover of the book Democratic Faith by Seana Valentine Shiffrin
Cover of the book Financing the American Dream by Seana Valentine Shiffrin
Cover of the book Topics in Mathematical Modeling by Seana Valentine Shiffrin
Cover of the book What We Owe Iraq by Seana Valentine Shiffrin
Cover of the book Visions of Empire by Seana Valentine Shiffrin
Cover of the book Fourier Analysis by Seana Valentine Shiffrin
Cover of the book Buddhism in Practice by Seana Valentine Shiffrin
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy