The different forms of falsehood are present not only in humans, but also in the behavior of many animals.
Last update: February 23, 2020
In human behavior there are different forms of falsehood, which have different levels, multiple purposes and various consequences. Human beings are born liars. We could say that there is not a single one hundred percent sincere person in every moment of his life.
Common morality condemns any form of falsehood. This, however, could be a mistake. First, all human beings tell lies. Second, the motivations for simulation, lying, and deception may be valid under certain circumstances.
The very concept of truth is highly questionable. In most cases it is difficult to establish absolute certainties. Similarly, we can repeat a lie in good faith without being aware of it or believing, in our judgment, that what we say is true without it really being. For what has been said above, it is always necessary to relativize the moral value of the different forms of falsehood.
“The most common lie is that with which a man deceives himself. Deceiving others is a relatively vain flaw. "
-Friedrich Nietzsche-
The forms of untruth in nature
Human beings are not the only ones to display forms of falsehood in their actions. Nature is full of examples of behaviors that animals use to deceive predators or to simulate behaviors aimed at achieving a certain goal. In principle, the different facets of deception are aimed at survival.
When an animal stands still to go unnoticed by its predator, it is using a form of simulation. The same happens when it camouflages itself or hides. The goal is to deceive those who can harm him. Something similar also happens when an animal wants food and waits for its opponent to get distracted to get it.
For similar reasons, humans start lying very early. The nature of every living being is to safeguard itself before anything else. As a result, frankness and sincerity are learned behaviors, but they do not have the same meaning in all cultures. In some cultures some values ​​are promoted because they are part of a pact of peaceful coexistence, while in others they are given a religious meaning linked to sin.
Forms of falsehood: the simulation
Simulation is one of the forms of falsehood that goes unnoticed. At its most basic level it is equivalent to "pretending". This implies a certain degree of distortion of reality which is sometimes impossible to avoid. For example, we simulate when we put on makeup or perfume.
As in all forms of falsehood, there are also degrees in simulation. We go from the example of make-up to hiding some important aspects of ourselves or of our life, even going so far as to use a false identity.
The objectives of the simulation may also vary. Sometimes we simulate to please those around us. Other times we do it for survival. For example, not showing fear in the face of aggression to dissuade the aggressor from what he is doing. We can also simulate for fear of a serious consequence or to gain an advantage over others.
The lie and the deception
While having in common the fact that they are forms of falsehood, simulation, lying and deceit have some nuances that differentiate them.
Lying is more associated with verbal statements. It happens when we deliberately state something we know is not true.
Deception has a broader spectrum of action. You can deceive with words, with attitude or by creating situations that hide or falsify reality. The deception involves a plan, be it very simple or very elaborate. In this case there is also an awareness mechanism.
In humans, simulation, lying and deception reach very sophisticated levels. What makes these behaviors morally reprehensible?
Two closely related aspects: motivation and purpose. For example, operations against guerrillas based on deception, simulation and lies have been carried out in Colombia. Thanks to this, a group of hostages was released. Is this way of operating morally reprehensible?
It is appropriate to ask ourselves these kinds of questions also for the aspects that concern our personal life. Simulations, lies and deceptions do not always correspond to reprehensible behavior. Motivation and purpose are important in evaluating these behaviors. In any case, we would learn a lot if instead of rejecting them a priori, we subjected them to a more impartial analysis.
