​Note: This debate is for enrolled students of the Open University only. Please sign up with your Open University email address so we can verify your eligibility.

​​Debate Motion

​“This house would prefer a world where people are not capable of lying.”

​​Potential Areas For Discussion

​​Proposition

• ​Lying is the route of most if not all evil.

• ​It would simplify the justice system.

• ​It would protect vulnerable people from being exploited.

​​Opposition

• ​What totalitarianism would it take to achieve this world?

• ​Lying is part of free expression and you would be taking that away.

• ​What would be classed as a lie is unclear.

​​Further Readings

• ​https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cdxnkydje7no

• ​https://www.bbc.co.uk/ethics/lying/lying_1.shtml

• ​https://ethicalleadership.nd.edu/thought-leadership/what-dishonesty-does-to-your-brain-why-lying-becomes-easier-and-easier

​“Lying is probably one of the most common wrong acts that we carry out (one researcher has said 'lying is an unavoidable part of human nature'), so it's worth spending time thinking about it.” - BBC