What is Truth? ...continued

THE DELIBERATE LIE

This is the direct opposite of truth and is universally acknowledged as such. It certainly disagrees with reality, because it flies in the face of the facts, and when discovered stands completely condemned. The teller also loses credibility, and the offence is heightened when committed under oath making it a case of perjury.

Deliberate lies are continually being told in ordinary conversation, business and social contacts, often made easier when the telephone is being used. We're all used to the excuses of the computer breaking down; " the one you dealt with has now left the company" or, "I was at home at the time". etc. etc.

We now look at some of the gray areas, where people become economic with the truth, or only tell part of the story, but the thing is if it does not entirely agree with reality eg what really happened, then it carries a measure of falsehood. Can these 'white lies' ever be justified?