Don Fallis and Roy Sorensen

Don Fallis (left) and Roy Sorensen (right) on lying.



This episode is about knitting. Is the previous sentence a lie? Not according to the standard analysis, which requires that a lie must involve an intention to deceive. But the standard analysis faces surprisingly many challenges. In this conversation, Fallis and Sorensen examine those challenges, and consider an alternative analysis in terms of insincere assertion. Along the way, they discuss the methodology and value of this kind of analysis.

The Pepsi commercial mentioned at 50:16 is here.

Related works

by Fallis:

with Adam Arico: “On the Concept of Lying” (draft)

“Bayesians Don’t Tell Knowledge-Lies” (draft)

“What is Lying?” (2009)

by Sorenson:

“Knowledge-lies” (2010)

“Bald-Faced Lies! Lying without the Intent to Deceive” (2007)

See also:

Thomas Carson, Lying and Deception (2010)

Thomas Carson, “The Definition of Lying” (2006)

James Mahon’s SEP entry on the definition of lying and deception

More video:

Roy Sorensen and Ben Bradley (BhTV)

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