Topics in Philosophy of Language: The Philosophy of Lying

In this seminar, we will explore the definitional and conceptual questions surrounding lying and other modes of deception. How do we define lying? Does lying require uttering something false (or untrue)? Does lying require assertion? Does lying necessarily involve an intention to deceive another person? How does lying differ from other kinds of untruthful use of language such as humor, fiction, irony, and metaphor. How does lying relate to other types of deception such as bullshitting, bluffing, and white lies. We will see how these questions connected to broader issues about speech acts and pragmatics. While this class focuses on the language side of lying, we will inevitably also touch on ethical issues surrounding lying and deception.