2007-09-25 03:56:29 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Arts & Humanities ➔ Philosophy
It all depends on your definitions, I suppose.
I personally define a lie as 'an attempt to deceive'. So by my terms, if you are trying to get someone to believe something that isn't so (even yourself) then that is a lie.
The interesting thing about my definition is that at no point does a lie require ANYTHING to be not-true. If your mother suspects your skipped school, you might be telling the truth by saying that you did go, even though you only went for five minutes to get something out of your locker. You just leave out the second part.
This is sometimes referred to as a lie of omission - nothing you have said is untrue, but it is still a lie because you have left out truths that are more relevant to the matter of hand.
And if a lie of omission is still a lie, then so too might an 'embellishment' of the truth still be a lie. In fact, it could easily be argued that even CALLING it that is a lie too - you are trying to make a lie seem like less than a lie by calling it by other words.
But in my opinion, there is NO difference. Call it 'spin' or 'embellishing the truth' or 'an interpretation', but it's all usually the exact same thing: a lie.
2007-09-25 05:41:41 · answer #1 · answered by Doctor Why 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Lying, as opposed to "embellishing" often has nothing to do with the truth. As a matter of fact, one of the most effective techniques of lying is to say the most outrageous thing you can against your adversary, who will then have to defend himself -- and doing so will give credence to the lie you told.
An example in a recent multi-million dollar divorce suit in New York saw the wife plant child-pornography on her husband's computer. Fortunately for him, being a millionaire, he had the time and resources to prove his innocence as well as the source of the misinformation: his wife. Most of us are not so lucky. If you could ask a "witch" who's been burned at the stake, she'd tell you, believe me: a witchburning has little, if anything to do with the accused person's innocence or guilt.
The point is, LYING has degrees, from the white lie to the vicious false witness. I guess the moral question is not so much about lying itself, but whether or not we are honest about hurting another person in doing it.
One classic example of "embellishment" is an actual quote from a British Parliamentarian who was caught in falsehood. Speaking before the House of Commons he said, "I did not lie. I was economical with the truth."
2007-09-25 11:21:08 · answer #2 · answered by titou 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't think there is a lot of difference- if I went fishing and caught a 6 inch Bass and I told someone that I went fishing and caught a huge Bass I am embelishing the truth and it is still a lie a 6 inch Bass is not huge.
2007-09-25 11:05:57 · answer #3 · answered by like the ocean needs the waves 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I can't speak for others.....but, i can not tell you the truth, but "not lie" to you in the process....skirt the issue and make you think and believe you heard the "whole thing" (this is to protect my privacy) and, i don't lie.....so, i guess this would come under....embellishing.........(not sure)...lol....
2007-09-25 11:15:13 · answer #4 · answered by Mr. "Diamond" 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Embellishing the truth is "Do i look fat?" You got the sexy curves. Lies ="Do i look fat?" No i like the dimples on the back of your thighs.
2007-09-25 11:04:08 · answer #5 · answered by Cube 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
THE DIFFERENCE IS THAT WHEN YOU SAY A LIE YOU SAY THINGS THAT DONT EXIST BUT WHET YOU AVOIDING TO TELL THE TRUTH,YOU DO JUST THAT.
2007-09-25 11:00:57 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
LIE
Mom - did you take the candy?
Son - No I did not.
EMBELLISHING
Mom - did you take the candy?
Son - I know it is missing. I am not sure exactly where it is right now....
2007-09-25 11:32:37 · answer #7 · answered by Weekend at Bernies 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋