The Prohibition of Lying as a Condition for the Perpetual Peace

Abstract

The discussion presented in the book On Right to Lie is of great interest. Kant’s short essay became a litmus paper indicating at first sight radical different positions, which dispute with each other for the right to be called ethical position. During his life Kant observed a lot of science discussions. But proposing own critical approach as a basis to the solution of conflicts and to the establishment of peace, he did not surmise that his short essay could cause such a violent ethical dispute. The first part of the article presents an attempt to give a demonstration of two pairs of oppositional views, which can be distinguished in the discussion on Kant’s essay. These views consist in two formal and two substantive approaches. The second part of article is devoted to the study of the place of violence and lie in Kant’s works. Finally, in the third part the prohibition of lying is examined as an important and necessary condition for the perpetual peace.