Ideas from 'On a supposed right to lie' by Immanuel Kant [1797], by Theme Structure

[found in 'Deontology' (ed/tr Darwall,Stephen) [Blackwell 2003,0-631-23112-9]].

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23. Ethics / B. Contract Ethics / 3. Promise Keeping
If lies were ever acceptable, with would undermine all duties based on contract
                        Full Idea: Truthfulness is a duty that must be regarded as the basis of all duties to be grounded on a contract, the law of which is made uncertain and useless if even the least exception to it is admitted.
                        From: Immanuel Kant (On a supposed right to lie [1797], p.30)
                        A reaction: Should we keep contracts which are made by means of deception and coercion? Where could such absolute authority for contracts come from? Do contracts and treaties tend to lapse after a long period of time?
23. Ethics / D. Deontological Ethics / 2. Duty
The law will protect you if you tell a truth which results in murder
                        Full Idea: If you have by a lie prevented someone bent on murder from committing the deed, then you are legally accountable for all the consequences that might arise from it. But if you keep strictly to the truth, then public justice can hold nothing against you.
                        From: Immanuel Kant (On a supposed right to lie [1797], p.29)
                        A reaction: Shocking, from a supposedly great thinker. Cowardly hiding behind a perverse law. What would Kant do if the law were changed, to condemn someone who told a truth which would probably lead to a murder? Would he accept a jail sentence?