White lie

A white lie is an often trivial, diplomatic or well-intentioned untruth. However, the ethical ramifications of being in conflict with an otherwise consistent personal moral theory are far reaching and often involve self-deception.

See also

• lie

Resources

• Situation Ethics: The First Proposition
• "A Brief Consideration of the Ethics of Lying" by Ted Slater
• Prof. Michael Bugeja's On-line Ethics Worksheets
• "Off the Hook?" by Joel Marks
• The Jewish Ethicist: White Lie Redux