Is a "lie of omission" dishonest?

Discussion in 'SF Open Government' started by Kittamaru, Sep 3, 2015.

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Is lying by omission still dishonest?

  1. Yes

  2. No

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  1. Kittamaru Ashes to ashes, dust to dust. Adieu, Sciforums. Valued Senior Member

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    Simple question - is lying via omission of fact dishonest?
     
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  3. Oystein Registered Senior Member

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    There is no simple answer. It depends on the context. In some cases it would be VERY dishonest and in other cases it may be information that the other person doesn't need to know or doesn't even have a right to know or the info isn't pertinent. It just depends.
     
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  5. paddoboy Valued Senior Member

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    If it is relevant and known and still left out, yep, it's totally dishonest in my opinion.
     
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  7. billvon Valued Senior Member

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    Depends. If you ask about MPPT charge controllers and I just give you a very simplified description, omitting most of the facts I know, it's not dishonest. If that omission is intended to deliberately cause a misunderstanding, then it would be.
     
  8. Kittamaru Ashes to ashes, dust to dust. Adieu, Sciforums. Valued Senior Member

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    I apologize - I should have been more specific. The context of this is with regards to intentionally ignoring or omitting facts about a topic during debate/discussion that, upon acknowledging, would weaken the persons position.

    Of course - omitting superfluous details is not dishonest. Omitting details directly pertinent to the debate at hand, however...
     
  9. billvon Valued Senior Member

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    Well, you've said two different things here. One is intentionally omitting facts to deceive the other person. (Dishonest) The other is intentionally omitting facts the other person is already aware of, or refusing to acknowledge things. (Not dishonest)
     
  10. Kittamaru Ashes to ashes, dust to dust. Adieu, Sciforums. Valued Senior Member

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    Omitting/refusing to acknowledge facts that refute things that were previously said wouldn't be considered dishonest?
     
  11. billvon Valued Senior Member

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    No, not if they have been previously presented.

    For example, if you said "all cats are good mouse hunters" and someone demanded you repeat that after he found an example of a lazy cat, your refusal to do so would not be dishonest.
     
  12. Kittamaru Ashes to ashes, dust to dust. Adieu, Sciforums. Valued Senior Member

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    Ah, okay - sorry, I think I was unclear again.

    To use your example:

    If Person A said that "all cats are good mouse hunters", and person B presented evidence of a lazy cat...

    Then Person A knowingly ignored said evidence and again presented "all cats are good mouse hunters" as fact

    Is Person A being dishonest?
     
  13. Magical Realist Valued Senior Member

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    No..a lazy cat may be lazy precisely BECAUSE he is such a good mouse hunter that he never has to do much during the day after eating mice all night. What you are calling a fact is in fact just an interpretation of a fact, which may be ignored for many reasons not the least of which is that it is simply irrelevant to the OP. Posters have the right to ignore anyone at any time here.
     
    Last edited: Sep 3, 2015
  14. Oystein Registered Senior Member

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    I'd like a ruling on that, from a mod or admin.
     
  15. Magical Realist Valued Senior Member

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    You never heard of the ignore button?
     
  16. Oystein Registered Senior Member

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    I'm not asking you. Can't you read? I'm asking a mod or admin.
     
  17. Magical Realist Valued Senior Member

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    Then you're ignoring me? You've just answered your own question.
     
  18. Oystein Registered Senior Member

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    I can see why members don't like you or your posts or your posting style. I just met you and already I don't like you.
     
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  19. Magical Realist Valued Senior Member

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    Wow. I'll really lose sleep over THAT tonight...lol!
     
  20. Daecon Kiwi fruit Valued Senior Member

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    If you do it with the intent to deceive, then obviously it's dishonest.
     
  21. billvon Valued Senior Member

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    Not if he didn't believe person B.
     
  22. Daecon Kiwi fruit Valued Senior Member

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    So, deliberately ignoring contrary evidence, then?

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  23. billvon Valued Senior Member

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    Yes. If I said "all cats are felines" and person B said "here is PROOF that Kit Kats are candy and not felines, and Hobie Cats are sailboats!" then I might deliberately ignore them, even if they have contrary evidence.
     

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