The Morality of Lying

Whether in politics, online discussions, the nightly news or everyday encounters, lying seems to have become commonplace these days. Yet, from time immemorial lying has been considered immoral and corrosive of society. Religious traditions, Scripture and philosophers have all presented reasoned arguments and injunctions against lying. This seminar will begin by defining exactly what a lie is and then present a detailed argument defending the view that lying is intrinsically immoral. There will then be ample time allowed for discussion during which challenges to the argument and counter examples can be discussed.

Peter J. Colosi, Ph.D., is an associate professor of philosophy at Salve Regina University. He previously served as associate professor of moral theology at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in Pennsylvania and taught for Franciscan University of Steubenville in Ohio. Peter holds a doctorate in philosophy from the International Academy of Philosophy in the Principality of Liechtenstein and a master’s degree in Franciscan studies from St. Bonaventure University. He is a speaker and author on the moral teachings of the Catholic Church, focusing on the underlying philosophical reasons behind those teachings.