Evil,

depends upon the possibility
of breaking the rule.
Infraction is frightening
-like death:
and yet it is attractive,
as though the being
only wanted to survive out of weakness,
as though exuberance inspired
that contempt for death
which is necessary
once the rule
has been broken.

The attraction of irregularity
sustains the attraction
of the rule.

-excerpt, Of Gene Genet, Literature and Evil by Georges Bataille

We discussed lying last night.  Seven of us made use of ideas originating with ethicist Bernard Williams to reflect upon the state of life presently within our society.  Of course it is impossible to avoid inadvertent mistakes on account of a host of factors.  The amount of knowledge necessary for communication is vast, but our recall, as well as our focus is limited.  Errors are committed even with the best of intention.

Lying is another matter.

Lying is a deliberate act of deception, an epistemological misdirection, a verbal assault designed to put one’s interlocutor at disadvantage.  Possibly a financial disadvantage…  I cannot think of a more efficient accelerant of profit than deception…  Another intent, emotional manipulation is often at root of much political advertising.

We absolutely depend upon the truthfulness of our fellow human beings, if we are to have a shared life hallmarked by collaboration and mutual aid.

Tell the truth is the rule.  However this is not absolute.  There is always a context.  Context matters.  Nowhere does an absolute truth exist, that is, anything that is beyond doubt, existing in purity, external to a social framework.  What is judged true depends a great deal upon the context, and upon whether you and I intend good or evil toward the other.  It is a judgment call.  Another way to put it, – the cost and benefit analysis.

Truth and dissimulation, each requires the other as light and darkness are recognized to be related states of the visual field…  The rule and the breaking of the rule…

The article used as basis for our discussion, acknowledged that the epistemological zeitgeist of our time is rife with lying of every type.  Globalization means that life can never again be thought simple.

In my imagination I envisioned that we all live in one of those “cash grab” machines, — except instead of dollar bills blowing around, an atmosphere of prevarication spins around us.