تاريخ الكذب HISTORY OF THE LIE - Jacques Derrida

The text introduces the concept of lying, distinguishing it from mere mistakes, emphasizing that lying involves intentional deceit, which philosopher Jacques Derrida explores in his work on the history of lying influenced by cultural, political, and historical contexts. Derrida analyzes various philosophical theories on lying, concluding that the nature of lying has evolved over time and differs between civilizations while also discussing political manipulation through various forms of deceit.

In the first chapter, various philosophers' analyses of lying and its impact on ethics and politics are addressed. Aristotle differentiates between those who have the capacity and inclination to lie, while Immanuel Kant emphasizes honesty as the foundation of interactions. This leads to discussions on the tension between truth and deception, suggesting that errors can occur without deception if one lacks the correct information, setting up the exploration of intention in subsequent chapters.

The second chapter elaborates on the difference between lying and mistakes, attributing this difference primarily to intent. Various philosophers, including Augustine, contribute to the discussion about whether one can lie if they genuinely believe in the falsehood. The debate highlights that belief in a falsehood complicates the definition of lying, raising questions about self-deception and accountability to oneself, which continues into the exploration of moral implications in later sections.