On a Supposed Right to Tell Lies from Benevolent Motives

High school (ages 12+)
Philosophy & Big Questions

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Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/on-a-supposed-right-to-tell-lies-from-benevolent-motives

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. Who wrote On a Supposed Right to Tell Lies from Benevolent Motives?Immanuel Kant
2. What is the publication year?1797
3. What is the primary ethical framework?Deontology (duty-based ethics)
4. What is a white lie?A white lie is a small, harmless lie told to be kind or to avoid hurting someone. But even small lies can be risky because they break trust.
5. Why does Immanuel Kant say we should never lie, even if we want to help?Kant believes truth is a duty that must always be kept. Lying, even for good reasons, weakens the trust that lets people talk honestly.

Deontology: An ethical theory that judges the morality of an action based on adherence to rules or duties, rather than consequences.
Categorical Imperative: Kant's supreme principle of morality, which states that one should act only according to maxims that can be universalized without contradiction.
Benevolent Motives: The intention to act for the benefit or well-being of others, often contrasted with self-interest.
Veracity: The habit of telling the truth; truthfulness.